Journal: Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
Volume: JETS 02:4 (Fall 1959)
Article: Phenomenal Language According To Dr. Bernard Ramm
Author: Martin J. Wyngaarden

BETS 2:4 (Fall 1959) p. 10

Phenomenal Language
According To Dr. Bernard Ramm

Martin J. Wyngaarden

Calvin Theological Seminary

This paper has two main points or headings: First, the meaning, then the application of phenomenal language in the opening chapters of Genesis according to Dr. Bernard Ramm.

The following observations may be made concerning the meaning of phenomenal language, according to Ramm.

Dr. Ramm is none too clear on disputed points. This may be due to the fact that Dr. Ramm is neither a specialist in the natural sciences nor a specialist in Biblical linguistics and exegesis. His field seems to be philosophy.

His book has considerable value for general orientation, and in particular for orientation concerning what he calls phenomenal language. There is considerable truth to what he says about phenomenal language; and there are various items in Dr. Ramm’s elucidation of his standpoint that deserve appreciation. But there are also features that deserve a critical analysis, especially when we come to our second main point, as we do now, the application.

This second main point deals with Ramm’s application of phenomenal language. This application is scattered throughout his book. We wish to begin with words of appreciation.

A. Appreciation.

1. In the first place, this approach can be of considerable value and help to a young student of the natural sciences who is very seriously perplexed about the relations of Scripture and science, even though this statement must be made with important reservations or strictures, as we shall see later.

2. Secondly, by way of appreciation, we can all probably agree with Dr. Ramm that Genesis I does not speak in the jargon of the scientists, calling water H₂0, but in the popular language of the common people, calling H₂0 water, where we read that the Spirit of God brooded on the face of the waters. (See also page 221). And there are many other items in Dr. Ramm’s elucidation of his standpoint that deserve appreciation. But there are also several features that deserve reservations and possibly strictures. These reservations and strictures concern Dr. Ramm’s application of his idea of phenomenal language to various problems that every exegete and every Bible-believing natural scientist must face in considering the first few chapters of Genesis.

B. Reservations and possible strictures concerning Dr. Ramm’s application of his idea of phenomenal language to various exegetical problems occurring in any “natural exegesis” of the first few chapters of...