Canon And Biblical Interpretation (Scripture and Hermeneutics Series, V. 7) [Hardcover]

Scott Hahn (Editor), Craig Bartholomew (Editor), Robin Parry (Editor), Christopher Seitz (Editor), Al Wolters (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 21, 2006

Drawing on a broad array of contributors, volume seven of the Scripture and Hermeneutics Series assesses the current state of canonical interpretation and uses that as a starting point for exploring ingredients in theological interpretation of the Bible today. Canon and Biblical Interpretation begins with a masterful examination of the canonical approach and the various criticisms that have been leveled against it. Additional chapters look at canonical interpretation in relation to different parts of the Bible, such as the Pentateuch, the Wisdom books, the Psalms, and the Gospels. Articles address such issues as canonical authority and the controversial relationship between canonical interpretation and general hermeneutics. A unique chapter explores the relationship between academic exegesis and lectio divina. Editors: * Craig Bartholomew * Robin Parry * Scott Hahn * Christopher Seitz * Al Wolters

Editorial Reviews

Review

'This collection clarifies the nature of a canonical approach, explores its interpretative potential and exposes common misunderstandings. It should be a landmark in the debate.' Professor Walter Moberly, University of Durham --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

About the Author

Craig Bartholomew (MA, Potchefstroom University, PhD, Bristol University) is professor of philosophy and biblical studies at Redeemer University College in Ancaster, Ontario, Canada. He is the author of Reading Ecclesiastes: Old Testament Exegesis and Hermeneutical Theory. He has also edited In the Fields of the Lord: A Calvin Served Reader and co-edited Christ and Consumerism: A Critical Analysis of the Spirit of the Age. He is the series editor for the Scripture and Hermeneutics Series.

Scott Hahn is Professor of Theology and Scripture at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, in Steubenville, Ohio. He also holds the Chair of Biblical Theology and Liturgical Proclamation at St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. He is author of The Lamb's Supper, Lord Have Mercy; Swear to God: The Promise and Power of Sacraments; and Letter and Spirit: From Written Text of Living Word in the Liturgy.

Robin Parry is commissioning editor for Paternoster Press in England. His books include Old Testament Story and Christian Ethics: The Rape of Dinah as a Case Study and Worshipping Trinity: Coming Back to the Heart of Worship.

Christopher R. Seitz is Professor of Old Testament and Theological Studies at St. Mary's College at the University of St. Andrews, Scotland. His books include Figured Out: Typology and Providence in the Christian Scriptures and the Interpretation Commentary on Isaiah 1-39.

Al Wolters is professor of religion and theology/classical languages at Redeemer University College in Canada. His publications include Creation Regained: Biblical Basics of a Reformational Worldview, and The Song of the Valiant Woman: Studies in the Interpretation of Proverbs 31:10-31. He is working on a commentary on Zechariah.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Hardcover: 464 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (November 21, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310234174
• ISBN-13: 978-0310234173
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.2 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,024,622 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A collection of essays on canon, February 8, 2009

By 

Jeri Nevermind "loves to read" (Idaho) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Canon And Biblical Interpretation (Scripture and Hermeneutics Series, V. 7) (Hardcover)

This book is aimed at scholars; most lay readers would find it too difficult.

However, that said, it certainly is interesting to anyone with a background in biblical scholarship.

Frustratingly, when it comes to the canon, "The central problem in studying the development historically is that nowhere in the Jewish and Christian sources is there direct information provided which discusses the process of canonization of either the Jewish or Christian Bible" (p 36) as discussed by Childs. Yet much of the last two hundred years of biblical scholarship centers on problems regarding the canon. To some groups, this has proved troubling. "Traditional evangelical scholars like Carl Henry have been correct in viewing a canonical approach to Scripture as a threat to their account of inspiration" (p 199).

Lemcio looks for the gospels within the canon, such as the theme of the kingdom of God, following Jesus, the 'son of man" title, and the importance of Jesus' death. C Stephen Evans has a very interesting essay on Adler, a Lutheran pastor, who claimed Jesus had given him revelations. Were these new, 19th century revelations ever considered for the canon? Hardly. Adler was quietly removed from his post as pastor. Clearly, claiming inspiration by the Holy Spirit was not enough.

Scott Hahn has an essay on the "rediscovery of Scripture's liturgical sense. This achievement is rightly associated with the pioneering work of Oscar Cullmann and Jean Danielou, who demonstrated that the biblical acts of God were intended to be carried out in the church's sacramental liturgy." (p 207). Hahn stresses that in the New Testament "Jesus and his church are presented as the fulfillment of the promises and institutions of the old covenant" (p 220).

There are also essays on the Old Testament. Explored are psalms and wisdom, and there is also a fascinating essay by Demspter on on the prophets and the canon, where he argues that, "while scholars of the left and right can debate the merits of Child's approach, he has worked tirelessly 'in the trenches' to restore the prophetic word to a central place" p 325).