The beginnings of critical biblical study were not easy. This is well illustrated by the debate which opposed R. Simon and J.-B. Bossuer at the end of the 17th century. This article shows how a rigourous critical approach to received biblical texts led Simon to differentiate between authenticity, inspiration and infallibility, and then to develop a theology of inspiration. The two authors also disagreed on the value and extent of the literal and spiritual meanings of Scripture: should a distinction be made so as to better bring the two together? is literal meaning a part of spiritual meaning or vice versa? This article sets out how things currently stand in the matter and underlines what is at stake.
