Ebook
The Interpreting Spirit is both a consideration of the Spirit's role in the interpretation of Scripture and a celebration of renewal scholarship. It examines those who have focused on the Spirit's role in their hermeneutical considerations, recognizing common, uniting themes amidst the diversity of scholarly approach and opinion. Working on the principle that the Spirit communicates in ways that seek to unify and celebrate the other, Mather works diachronically from 1970, identifying and drawing together these common, uniting hallmarks into a collective understanding. Pivotal to Mather's argument is her emphasis that we do not just interpret Scripture, but that the Spirit through Scripture, and working in our lives in ways that lead us towards Scripture, interprets us. The Interpreting Spirit is the first comprehensive analysis of the conversation surrounding pneumatic interpretation that has been taking place, particularly among renewal scholars, since 1970. It seeks to answer the notoriously difficult question, "What does the Spirit do in the process of biblical interpretation?"
“Hannah Mather’s Interpreting Spirit offers the most
up-to-date and thorough overview of renewal hermeneutics over the
past half-century. Irenically highlighting some key themes, Mather
strives for a holistic, theological, and practical approach that
most importantly engages Scripture for the purpose of, and in the
context of, knowing God. This emphasis in part reflects her own
spiritual and hermeneutical quest, and reminds us of the ultimate
purpose for which believers engage, or should engage,
Scripture.”
—Craig S. Keener, Asbury Theological Seminary
“Perhaps the most comprehensive historical and theological survey
of renewal hermeneutics to date, Hannah Mather’s work highlights
the continuities as well as the contrasts between the various
exegetical approaches she explores, with insight, clarity, and a
clear passion to see the Spirit’s work in biblical interpretation
restored to its rightful place. The Interpreting Spirit
should be the starting point for anyone exploring this crucial
field for the first time and will prove to be a great resource even
for authorities in the area.”
—Andrew Davies, University of Birmingham
“How can we begin to describe what the Holy Spirit’s doing when we
read the Bible? How does the Spirit help us engage, understand, and
obey? Mather takes on ‘mission impossible’ and achieves a truly
impressive analysis. Along the way, she celebrates fifty years of
renewal scholarship in this field. A remarkable volume! Now it’s
your turn: read on.”
—William Atkinson, London School of Theology
Hannah R. K. Mather (PhD) had a career in business and people development before moving into theology. She is an adjunct professor at London School of Theology.