Understanding the Bible: A Basic Introduction to Biblical Interpretation (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Nearly everything this book deals with can be illustrated by examining a single Scripture passage, the story of Philip encountering the Ethiopian on the road..." (more)
Key Phrases: ostensive reference, figural interpretation, narrative criticism, Old Testament, New Testament, Holy Spirit (more...)

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

Product Description

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

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Product Details

• Paperback: 274 pages
• Publisher: Paulist Press; Rev Exp edition (May 14, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0809143445
• ISBN-13: 978-0809143443
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #374,174 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 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 (the Philippines) - 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!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

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

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

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