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Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics, An

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_An Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics_ is an exchange between two 'legends' in the field of modern biblical studies, at least from an evangelical perspective. Dr. Silva's chapter on "The Case for Calvinistic Hermeneutics" is worth the price of the book alone. In it, he shows that the pursuit of biblical interpretation (i.e., hermeneutics) cannot be fruitfully accomplished without an awareness of one's theological bias. As part of the 'hermeneutical spiral', the direction of biblical interpretation to theology is never only one way. There is a constant interaction between theology and interpretation. And, in Silva's view, it is not only good for us to admit this, but fundamentally flawed if we try to pretend that biblical interpretation could be done any other way. Biblical interpreters are no more _tabula rasa_ than anyone else. That illusion is the product of a so-called enlightened age that after two centuries is finally going the way of the dodo, even in the bastions of mainstream scholarship. But Silva would not have us say, therefore, that, since we reject monolithic 'neutrality', all approaches are now de facto 'correct'. No, we must approach the text from the position it demands, which is to say, we must approach it as Christians. This 'bias' is the only way we can approach the Scripture with the hope of understanding it correctly, for this is precisely the framework through which its human authors wrote, and it is to just such a 'biased' audience as this that it is addressed to. It itself is no mere 'neutral' text, but "profitable" for the "man of God" (II Tim. 3:16). We do well to remember to adopt this approach, even as we seek to have this framework refined (and yes, challenged) by the insights we learn from diligent study

This work was the central text for a seminary course in Hermeneutics, and I had anticipated a somewhat dry, calculated, formula based approach to Biblical interpretation. What I received was a tool chest of invaluable exegetical tools with which to treat the Word of the Living God with the highest honor that it deserves. Drs. Kaiser and Silva are very obviously not only theologians and scholars of the first order, they are lovers of God's Word, and they pursue Him in their lives and work. Their instruction shines the very passion of knowing and following Jesus, while using every intellectual tool that He has given us. This book has changed my approach to preaching and teaching, and will maintain a spot in my library...I plan to read and refer to it till the covers fall off!

For those wanting to know how one does proper hermeneutics this book is a good place to start. The authors (Walter Kaiser and Moises Silva) are conservative evangelical scholars and write from that perspective. Kaiser (who is a champion of multiple applications from a single text) and Silva (a traditional Reformed scholar) join together to help lay people and teachers on this important subject. Not only is this book good for seminarians who want to get a taste of hermeneutical methods, it also has a lot of practical applications for the laity who want to know how to read the Bible properly for personal devotion and life. Kaiser and Silva both avoid dry intellectualism, and write from a pastoral perspective too. Most of the chapters are good (especially Kaiser's), and most people will find this work very readable. However, I do have one concern over this book. It is a chapter written by Silva (Chapter 14: "The Case for Calvinistic Hermeneutics"). He contends that "proper exegesis should be informed by theological reflection. To put it in the most shocking way possible: my theological system should tell me how to exegete" (p. 261). True, Reformed theology's strength lies in its consistency, logic, coherence, and history. However, this can be its downful also (by the way, I am a Calvinist too). For instance, most in the Reformed tradition argue that Israel and the Church lie in continuity. Therefore, Israel as an ethnic body has no future in God's redemptive program. This leads them to reinterpret certain passages that speak of a national conversion of Israel near the Parousia (cf. Romans 11:26) to mean "spiritual Israel" (or the Church) or a "remnant" throughout history. Another example is Revelation 20. Since a literal Millennial Kingdom in the future is not compatible with Reformed/Covenant theology, they argue that we must spiritualize Revelation 20 to mean the present age (or interpret the "first resurrection" to mean a spiritual resurrection). The danger of allowing a Reformed "systematic theology" to control our exegesis of certain passages can lead to eisegesis and a meaning that is totally different from what the inspired writers meant to say. Here are the main methods of hermeneutics in Christianity:

1. Roman Catholic Hermeneutics:

Exegesis<-----Tradition

2. Reformed Hermeneutics:

Exegesis<-----Systematic Theology

3. Fundamentalism and Arminianism:

Exegesis Only

4. Critical Scholarship:

Exegesis<-----History

5. Proper Biblical Hermeneutics:

Exegesis----->Systematic Theology

Proper hermeneutics is not imposed out of a certain systematic theology; it is developed from exegesis that leads to a systematic theology. Reformed theology fails in this respect. This book should be read by all pastors, seminarians, and lay people. It is an invaluable tool that needs to be in every Christian library.

This book by Walter C. Kaiser, Jr. and Moises Silva is an excellent starting point for an investigation into all of the elements involved in Biblical hermeneutics (i.e. Biblical interpretation, as Silva so straightforwardly defines the term in the opening chapter).

The book is divided into four major parts (each part contains multiple chapters) which progressively build on one another; the interaction between the co-authors, as they take turns writing individual chapters, is remarkable. Kaiser and Silva do not always agree on all points, but the respectful interplay between their sometimes differing outlooks provides an example of what true scholarship is all about.

The four parts of the book have the following headings: 1) The Search for Meaning: Initial Directions (which includes general background information); 2) Understanding the Text: Meaning in Literary Genres; 3) Responding to the Text: Meaning and Application; and 4) The Search for Meaning: Further Challenges (which includes chapters on both the history of interpretation and contemporary approaches to interpretation).

The best thing about this book is that it is not so much a treatise on scholarly interpretation (though it certainly is scholarly), but that it attempts to help the reader to learn both how to interpret the Bible and then how to apply that interpretation to life. As the jacket copy of the book states, "In a culture that prizes individuality and personal freedom, the primary question is no longer 'Is it true?' but rather 'Does it matter?' Hence, the question of relevancy has taken precedence over the question 'What does the text mean?' This book therefore confronts the question of the meaning of meaning and shows how evangelicals may still clearly hear the Word from God amid the cacophony of the age."

For those who wish to pursue further study, especially in the areas of genre and critical approaches, the authors provide copious footnotes and an annotated bibliography at the end of the book. This is an excellent introduction to hermeneutics that is accessible to scholars and laypersons alike.

I picked this book up as a peremptory safety measure to reading William Webb's work on what he calls Redemptive Movement Hermeneutic: "Slaves, Women & Homosexuals: Exploring the Hermeneutics of Cultural Analysis". His is a commendable yet seemingly flawed work--I'll get to writing that review later.

Kaiser & Silva provide a brief but broad historical survey of hermeneutics, from the early rabbinic approaches for the Torah, to current principles held in regard today. It is a great "top-down" book, in that it provides a realistic context for those who attempt to unpack the scriptures. People of faith have been attempting this since receiving inspired texts, with varying depths of success and failure.

The voicings of the esteemed scholars are distinct, and I found the book rather choppy reading, like a multi-movement symphony alternating between 2 solo instruments: Kaiser's historic and subtle cello vs. Silva's warm, thoughtful oboe.

Personally, I found Silva's synopsis on the work and contribution of some twentieth century philosophers very resonant, in that we need to consider the 3 cultural horizons of the writer, the original audience, and our own baggage which we bring to the scriptures. A humble awareness of our experiential shapings is critical in approaching the Bible.

I hope the Church today can continue to redeem James 1:22 "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." I find that our human experience, tradition and expectations can dominate the Church, rather than what it (the Bible) says. The Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics supplies us a with a refreshing conclusion to work out our salvation with some humility, if not fear and trembling, that our old selves present barriers to understanding, as shown throughout the history of hermeneutical studies.

I also agree with the authors that the Word and the Spirit are sufficient for individual growth and the acqusition of Truth. Where members of the body of Christ collide is why accurate and authoritative interpretation is so required.

Two distinguished theologians come together to give us this Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics.

The text is divided into four main parts: "The Search for Meaning: Initial Directions," Understanding the Text: Meaning in Literary Genres," Responding to the Text: Meaning and Application," and "The Search for Meaning: Further Challenges."

Chapter one, "Who Needs Hermeneutics Anyway," is written by Moises Silva. Walter Kaiser Jr. takes up the next chapter and so the authors alternate throughout the book. Thus, we have a book that presents different--often opposing--viewpoints regarding Biblical interpretation. "In this way, the readers of our text do not get a party line, as it were, but are called upon to come to their own conclusion after eaves dropping on a vibrant conversation between two writers who dare to agree to disagree." Both authors, however, do agree in the unity and inspiration of Scriptures.

One unique chapter that would be of particular interest to some readers is titled "The Case for Calvinistic Hermeneutics." Dr. Silva argues that "Whether we mean to or not, and whether we like it or not, all of us reads the text as interpreted by our theological presuppositions. Indeed, the most serious argument against the view that exegesis should be done independently of systematic theology is that such a view is hopelessly naïve." The author then proceeds to make the case for interpreting Scripture in the light of God's sovereignty and the doctrines of grace.

In the 2007 Revised and Expanded edition, chapters on the following issues have been added: the role of Biblical theology in interpretation, how to deal with contemporary questions not directly addressed in the Bible, the New Testament use of the Old Testament, and the role of history in interpretation.

Both the beginner and the student more experienced in hermeneutics will benefit from this book. It will help the reader establish more sound methods of interpretation. Better than that, it will motivate one to more seriously study and apply Scripture for personal growth and edification.

Excellent book about hermeneutics. There is one weakness: it is not a logically arranged introduction to the subject. Therefore I do not recommend it as the first one to read if you don't know the basics of hermeneutics already. However, this is great as a supplement to some other textbook. I have read through Osborne's Hermeneutical Spiral several times and this one does not just repeat the same things but gives much new to think about, having different perspectives. They support each other very well.

Very informative and in laymens terms and easy to understand-Gives hermeneuticas a whole new meaning!! Highly recommended!!

This book covers the gist of the subject matter and in a conservative way, but I would recommend one that covers so much more. The book I recommend educated and moved me YOUR GUIDE FOR DEFENDING THE BIBLE Self-Education of the Bible Made Easy

YOUR GUIDE FOR DEFENDING THE BIBLE HAS IT ALL:

* A Preface and Introduction
* A section on Biblical Hermeneutics, with 11 chapters
* A section on Inductive Bible Study, with 7 chapters
* A section on a Book Study Program, with 4 chapters
* A Section on Bible Difficulties, with 6 chapters
* A section on Basics of Textual Criticism, with 4 chapters
* A section on Basics of Bible Translation, with 4 chapters
* A Section on Understanding Our Imperfections, with 6 chapters

Very infomative and helpful in my understanding and interpreting the bible.