# The Scofield Bible

## Metadata
- Author: [[Mark S. Sweetnam and R. Todd Mangum]]
- Full Title: The Scofield Bible
- Category: #books
## Highlights
- That the story of Scofield’s life has only ever been told by those aiming at uncritical praise or unrelieved criticism has further muddied the waters of our understanding, making the Southern minister appear a rather shadowy figure. ([Location 67](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B007N9QBTU&location=67))
- For quite a time, Oxford seemed embarrassed by the success of this intellectually questionable—and questioned—property, however well it may have sold. All of this makes the task of the historian complex indeed. ([Location 74](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B007N9QBTU&location=74))
- Our discussion of Scofield and his Bible is designed neither to participate in the construction of a myth of super-human perfection of either Scofield or The Scofield Reference Bible nor are we interested in attempting a character assassination. We aim for a fair evaluation of Scofield’s life and work: our purpose is not to praise or to blame, but to understand. ([Location 81](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B007N9QBTU&location=81))
- It was the first study Bible created for the general public—the first commentary to be included beneath the text of Scripture itself. With enough cross-reference material and interpretive help to guide the lay reader, but not so much as to be cumbersome ([Location 104](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B007N9QBTU&location=104))
- Whether by design or by unintended consequence, an image with the Christian public was established that suggested the one responsible for the notes of The Scofield Reference Bible was in a class of saintliness approaching that of the Bible’s main subject. ([Location 112](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B007N9QBTU&location=112))
- The result of all this is that the facts of Scofield’s life have today become politicized. Particularly among those in opposition to Scofield’s theological views, rumors continue to swirl (especially via the Internet) about infidelities, crimes and misdemeanors into which Scofield is alleged to have fallen. Others have objected to this largely posthumous defamation of his character and have sought to restore his image as a saint—sin’s stains cleansed. ([Location 118](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B007N9QBTU&location=118))
- The truth is Scofield was an effective minister of the gospel, but he had a past. He was converted midway through his adult life, and only after hitting bottom. And to hit bottom, he had to fall quite a long way. ([Location 122](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B007N9QBTU&location=122))
- Reflecting on all this years later, Scofield explained that once he was called to the pastorate in Dallas he felt a special burden for Texas, then for the southwest region of the United States, and then for Central America. As he understood it, this prioritization was in accordance with the pattern set forth by Jesus in Acts 1:8: “Ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” This meant to Scofield that he should establish his witness locally first, then regionally, then outward to the rest of the world. ([Location 174](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B007N9QBTU&location=174))
- Gaebelein may have been Scofield’s primary consultant for his notes, especially regarding eschatology and overall theological orientation. ([Location 190](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B007N9QBTU&location=190))
- Scofield seems to have been authentically concerned to reflect fairly where there were differences of opinion, even when he clearly came down on one side. ([Location 195](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B007N9QBTU&location=195))
- In the final analysis, C.I. Scofield seems to have lived a life of high Christian character and effective Christian ministry, albeit with problems in his family life, much of which stemmed from predicaments in which he was entangled before he was a Christian. ([Location 231](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B007N9QBTU&location=231))
- After one Bible conference, having heard Scofield share his testimony about Christ’s delivering him from alcoholism, D. L. Moody counseled him strongly against sharing such aspects of his past life with the public. While, according to Scofield, Moody later changed his mind about this, there was good reason for Scofield, his friends, and confidants to use and urge discretion about aspects of Scofield’s past that the fundamentalist public could find scandalous. ([Location 254](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B007N9QBTU&location=254))