Hermeneutics at the Crossroads (Indiana Series in the Philosophy of Religion) [Hardcover]

Kevin J. Vanhoozer (Editor), James K. A. Smith (Editor), Bruce Ellis Benson (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 25, 2006 | Series: Indiana Series in the Philosophy of Religion

In this multi-faceted volume, Christian and other religiously committed theorists find themselves at an uneasy point in history -- between premodernity, modernity, and postmodernity -- where disciplines and methods, cultural and linguistic traditions, and religious commitments tangle and cross. Here, leading theorists explore the state of the art of the contemporary hermeneutical terrain. As they address the work of Gadamer, Ricoeur, and Derrida, the essays collected in this wide-ranging work engage key themes in philosophical hermeneutics, hermeneutics and religion, hermeneutics and the other arts, hermeneutics and literature, and hermeneutics and ethics. Readers will find lively exchanges and reflections that meet the intellectual and philosophical challenges posed by hermeneutics at the crossroads.

Contributors are Bruce Ellis Benson, Christina Bieber Lake, John D. Caputo, Eduardo J. Echeverria, Benne Faber, Norman Lillegard, Roger Lundin, Brian McCrea, James K. A. Smith, Michael VanderWeele, Kevin Vanhoozer, and Nicholas Wolterstorff.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Kevin Vanhoozer is Research Professor of Systematic Theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.

James K. A. Smith is Associate Professor of Philosophy and Director of Seminars in Christian Scholarship at Calvin College.

Bruce Ellis Benson is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Wheaton College.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 264 pages
• Publisher: Indiana University Press (May 25, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0253347467
• ISBN-13: 978-0253347466
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,392,243 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Breadth and Generosity, January 5, 2007

By 

Jonathan Erdman "The Theos Project" (Huron, South Dakota) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hermeneutics at the Crossroads (Indiana Series in the Philosophy of Religion) (Paperback)

This is an excellent collection of hermeneutical essays that attack the most difficult issues of interpretation from many unique and diverse perspectives. Easily a five star rating.

There are essays to reflect a variety of approaches and appreciations. For example, those who sympathize with preserving the intentions of the author will appreciate the perspectives of Vanhoozer and Wolterstorff. On the other hand, the essay of James K.A. Smith discusses the relevancy of some of Derrida's perspectives for biblical interpretation. Benson's essay draws parallels between the improvisation of jazz and the process of interpretation and Faber even takes a peak at the theater! Yet what holds together these diverse essays are still some of the most fundamental issues confronting interpreters including the issues of authorial intent, the role of the reader, and the ontology of the text.

While I think many of these essays would be interesting to the non-churchman the essays are situated in the particular context of faith. To that I say, "It's about time!" It is encouraging to see these thoughtful and diverse essays exploring key hermeneutical issues in a constructive dialogue. Here's hoping that more of this will follow in the future.

One more essay of note that I would be remiss if I failed to mention is Echeverria's essay on Gadamer and relativism. Ah, so many good essays in this collection!

I have engaged a few of the key essays in this collection at my blog, The Theos Project. (You can just do a simple Google search for "Theos Project.") The essays have sparked some stimulating discussion, with James K.A. Smith even dropping by for a few comments. And my blog is not the only place where I am seeing these essays pop up around the internet. So, add this book to your shopping cart and get to reading so you can join in the ongoing discussion. I believe that a few of these essays will be important for helping to set the tone of the future discussion of hermeneutics and the interpretation of Scripture, so keep on top of the conversation!

A parenthetical note: These essays presuppose some prior knowledge of hermeneutics and/or appreciation for the finer points of literature interpretation.

Jonathan Erdman

Winona Lake, Indiana