Understanding the Bible: A Basic Introduction to Biblical Interpretation [Paperback]

George T. Montague (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 2007

In this revised and expanded edition of UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE, the author surveys the major trends in the major theories in biblical interpretation from ancient times to the present, and notes the contributions and limitations of each period. He shows how the Bible itself interprets earlier texts and he places into coherent perspective the diverse and often contradictory interpretations of scripture, culminating with a detailed examination of Dei Verbum of Vatican II and the Pontifical Biblical Commission's The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church.

Highlights:
* unparalleled comprehensive overview of biblical interpretation in historical perspective
* a must for anyone teaching the Bible, since it deals with the assumptions with which we approach every biblical text
* solid scholarship without being overly technical

Editorial Reviews

Review

An extraordinarily unified vision not only of contemporary interpretive methodologies but of the entire history of Christian biblical interpretation.... [the author shows how] ancient approaches anticipate insights that fully emerge only in the modern period....This work would be a valuable addition to any library, a worthwhile text for seminary and graduate courses, and a source of deep enrichment for any serious student of the Bible. -- Terence J. Keegan, Providence College, Review of the First Edition in Journal of Biblical Literature

About the Author

George T. Montague, SM, is a professor of biblical theology at St. Mary's University, San Antonio, TX. He is the author of numerous books on scripture. He has served as president of the Catholic Biblical Association of America and as editor of the Catholic Biblical Quarterly. He is also a popular speaker internationally.

Product Details

• Paperback: 274 pages
• Publisher: Paulist Press; Rev Exp edition (July 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0809143445
• ISBN-13: 978-0809143443
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #641,259 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Solid Introduction to Biblical Interpretation, April 13, 2000

By 

Jasper T. Suquila - See all my reviews

This review is from: Understanding the Bible: A Basic Introduction to Biblical Interpretation (Paperback)

This book is one of its kind! As a Graduate Theology student, I have never come across such learner-friendly scholarly work about an introduction on biblical hermeneutics! This book clearly outlines the major historical theories on biblical interpretation from the past down to the present. A discussion on the recent document about exegesis and the kinds of biblical literary criticisms and the three-fold stages of the Gospel development helped me understand better the history of biblical interpretation. For those who wanted a straightforward discussion on the history of biblical interpretation without being bogged down by technical theological terms --- this book is for you!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A 'must' for any serious Biblical study collection., September 7, 2007

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Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Understanding the Bible: A Basic Introduction to Biblical Interpretation (Paperback)

UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE: A BASIC INTRODUCTION TO BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION appears in a revised, expanded edition to cover the extent of Christian biblical interpretation, contrasting ancient with modern approaches and surveying major trends in the history of biblical study. Notable changes and divisions new to this edition come with a reorganization of chapters for more methodological progression of ideas, a section of Jewish interpretation, and more. A 'must' for any serious Biblical study collection.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Understanding the Bible: A Basic Intro to Biblical Interpretation, July 6, 2010

By 

celina001 - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Understanding the Bible: A Basic Introduction to Biblical Interpretation (Paperback)

Well written book, easy to understand for the layperson, although we used this book in a graduate-level hermeneutics class given by the author. Delightful instructor with a great love for Scripture, which may or may not come through in the book.