Canonical Theology: The Biblical Canon, Sola Scriptura, and Theological Method

by John C. Peckham

Publisher:

Eerdmans

, 2016

Overview

What are the roles of canon and community in the understanding and articulation of Christian doctrine? Should the church be the doctrinal arbiter in the twenty-first century? In Canonical Theology John Peckham tackles this complex, ongoing discussion by shedding light on issues surrounding the biblical canon and the role of the community for theology and practice. Peckham examines the nature of the biblical canon, the proper relationship of Scripture and tradition, and the interpretation and application of Scripture for theology. He lays out a compelling canonical approach to systematic theology—including an explanation of his method, a step-by-step account of how to practice it, and an example of what theology derived from this canonical approach looks like.

Contents

Top Highlights

“Tradition, then, was not seen ‘as a normative interpretation of Scripture’ or ‘as a necessary supplement to it but rather as a tool to be used to help the church to understand it.” (Page 9)

“A canonical ‘system’ looks beyond (without overlooking) the limits of individual texts and passages, viewing its parts in light of the whole and its whole in light of its parts without imposing one upon the other.³⁰ It thus transcends those exegetical methodologies and biblical theologies that are restricted to a mere compilation or summary of fragmentary parts.³¹ A canonical systematic approach looks for the patterns and inner logic of the texts in relation to the whole canonical text, rejecting any dichotomy between limited pericope and broad overarching reading, embracing both in mutual reciprocity such that ‘system’ is not sought at the expense of the particular complexity and variety of individual texts.” (Page 206)

“Perspectives on the biblical canon are split between those who favor an intrinsic canon perspective (wherein God is the determiner of the scope of the canon) and the community canon approach (wherein a community determines the scope of the canon).” (Page 1)

“If one has decided to believe in a God who reveals himself to human beings via Scripture, it does not seem at all unreasonable also to believe that this same God provided means by which the community might correctly recognize that revelation as ‘canon.’” (Page 69)

“The community canon model defines the canon as a set of writings that are determined by the community as a standard.” (Page 3)

Product Details

• Title: Canonical Theology: The Biblical Canon, Sola Scriptura, and Theological Method
• Author: John C. Peckham
• Publisher: Eerdmans
• Print Publication Date: 2016
• Logos Release Date: 2019
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Bible › Criticism, interpretation, etc; Theology; Bible › Canon
• ISBNs: 9780802873309, 0802873308
• Resource ID: LLS:CNNCLTHTHLGMTHD
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-29T22:52:08Z

About John C. Peckham

John C. Peckham (PhD, Andrews University) is professor of theology and Christian philosophy at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. He is the author of several books, including The Love of God: A Canonical Model, Canonical Theology, and The Concept of Divine Love in the Context of the God-World Relationship.