Customer Reviews

To Each Its Own Meaning, Revised and Expanded: An Introduction to Biblical Criticisms and Their Application

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This volume provides an excellent overview of the major current scholarly approaches to the Bible. The contributions are written as introductions to these approaches, so the book is ideal for students, ministers, and anyone else interested in learning the questions scholars consider when studying the Bible. Each chapter includes not only a theoretical discussion of the method under consideration, but also concrete examples using specific biblical texts. Each chapter also includes suggested further reading for those who want to explore the methods more deeply. One of this volume's tremendous advantages is that it covers older "historical" methods and newer "literary" methods in a single volume, unlike some other compilations which highlight only one of these broad umbrellas. If you wanted a broad introduction to scholarly biblical interpretation but could only read one book on the subject, this would be one of your best choices.

. . . of many of the modern methods of Biblical scholarship currently practiced in the world today.

Quite a number of types of Biblical scholarly criticism are examined in this volume. Each method is introduced by a scholar who has (and is) utilizing that method in their own research. Not only are traditional methods of criticism addressed (historical, form, redaction, etc.) but also methods of current interest in international scholarship. The basic history behind each method is discussed, followed by an example, taken either from Genesis or from the Lukan Corpus, as to how the method is used and applied.

While overall the selection of essays attempts to be ecumenical in scope and broad in interpretation, in reality, they are skewed heavily to a more conservative Protestant perspective. Three Catholics and one Jewish scholar were among the contributors; the rest represented a range of Protestant opinions. In addition, certain methods of criticism were described as "overthrowing the tradition" -- which, in some cases, may be a bit harsh.

Nevertheless, I recommend this book for upper-division undergraduate students as well as graduate students for a good introduction to the various methodologies currently available to the 21st century scholar.

The book was in great shape, but it took a little while to get to me. Thanks!