Description
One of the descriptive terms of the Bible is “the perspicuity of Scripture.” This means that scripture is expressed clearly and easily understood. But if that is so, why is it that there are so many Christian denominations with numerous differing defining doctrines, yet all claim that the Bible is there ultimate resource?
Well a major part of the answer is that the more one employs basic and sound rules of interpretation (hermeneutics), the more perspicuous and consistent are the messages of the Bible.
This issue of the Areopagus Journal helps the Christian learn very important and practical applications of interpreting the Bible, Christians are called to know the truth before he can defend it. In addition, proper rules of interpretation also prepare the Christian to better apprehend heretical departures from what the Bible actually teaches. Everyone is a theologian. The issue is whether one is a good theologian or a bad one.
A basic and healthy calling all Christians have is to be “a workman-handling accurately the word of truth” (2Tim. 2:15).
Contents
Veritas: Biblical Interpretation by Craig Branch
Good Hermeneutics: Rightly Dividing the Word of God by Steve W. Lemke
Getting the Whole Story: The Importance of Context in Biblical Interpretation by Jason Snyder
Scripture Interprets Scripture: The Role of Theology in Biblical Interpretation by Steven B. Cowan
Which Bible Should I Read? by Craig Branch and Jason Dollar
Book Reviews
Studying the Historical Jesus: A Guide to Sources and Methods by Darrell L. Bock. Baker Academic, 2002; 230 pages
Is There Meaning in This Text? by Kevin J. Vanhoozer. Zondervan, 1998; 496 pages
First Theology: God, Scripture and Hermeneutics by Keven J. Vanhoozer. InterVarsity, 2002; 384 pages
The Drama of Doctrine: A Canonical Linguistic Approach to Christian Theology by Kevin J. Vanhoozer. Westminster John Knox, 2005; 488 pages.
Dictionary for Theological Interpretation of the Bible by Kevin J. Vanhoozer. Baker, 2005; 896 pages.
Short Book Notes
How to Read the Bible For All It’s Worth, 3rd Edition by Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart. Zondervan, 2003; 288 pages.
Getting the Message: A Plan for Interpreting the Scriptures by Daniel M. Doriani. P & R Publishing, 1986; 255 pages.
Knowing Scripture by R. C. Sproul. InterVarsity, 1977; 125 pages.
Philosophy Made Slightly Less Difficult: A Beginner’s Guide to Life’s Big Questions by Garrett J. DeWeese and J.P. Moreland. InterVarsity, 2005; 160 pages.
