Introducing Theological Interpretation of Scripture: Recovering a Christian Practice

by Daniel J. Treier

Publisher:

Baker Academic

, 2008

Overview

In the wake of the schism during the past two centuries between biblical studies and theology, a new movement has developed, seeking to bridge this modern gap. This hermeneutical movement, which hearkens back to aspects of pre-critical interpretation, has been labeled the theological interpretation of Scripture (TIS) and focuses on the contexts of canon, creed, and church. While the trend is in its infancy, it is rapidly gaining momentum.

Introducing Theological Interpretation of Scripture is the first clear, systematic introduction to this movement for students and non-specialist scholars. The book surveys the history, themes, advocates, and positions of TIS and seeks to bring coherence to its various elements. The author, Daniel Treier, also explores what he sees as the greatest challenges the movement will have to address in the future, including the interface between TIS and biblical theology, general hermeneutics, and the concept of social location in reading scriptural texts. Woven throughout is a case study on the imago Dei, demonstrating how TIS plays out in theological exegesis. This case study adds to the book’s usefulness as a secondary text in hermeneutics courses.

Contents

Top Highlights

“In all its variety, such practice was theological: Christians read the Bible as Scripture, authoritative as God’s Word for faith and life; thus, to interpret Scripture was to encounter God.” (Page 13)

“Beyond our particulars and our differences, though, lies the broader principle of this chapter: far from regulating biblical interpretation arbitrarily, doctrinal frameworks challenge new generations to recognize their own cultural assumptions and to revise them in light of how the church has understood Scripture as a whole.” (Page 77)

“Theological interpretation of Scripture, in the end, is an essential practice in the Christian pilgrimage of seeking to know God. It is that pursuit by which we endeavor to know where we are going and to catch a glimpse of what it will be like to arrive at our destination. Theological interpretation of Scripture, in other words, offers the maps and requires us to use the various lenses through which we can envision how to undertake our journey. Because the quest ultimately involves deepening love for God and neighbor, its hermeneutical point of orientation is not simply the church; rather, theological interpretation of Scripture orients the church, in a way that is both profoundly mysterious and very basic, toward seeking God.” (Page 205)

“Theological interpretation of Scripture responds to perceived problems with critical biblical scholarship. However, on the other hand, it should be clear that healthy theological hermeneutics need not involve denigrating the faithful labors and valuable contributions of biblical scholars.” (Page 199)

Endorsements

Daniel Treier is one of the brightest scholars working at the intersection of Scripture, hermeneutics, and theology in the evangelical academy today. Here he offers a masterful survey of the landscape and shows how evangelicals can join with Catholic scholars and others in moving the discussion forward.

—Timothy George, dean, Beeson Divinity School; senior editor, Christianity Today

Many voices today clamor for the recovery of theological interpretation, from many corners and for diverse reasons. For those concerned with the significance of the church for reading Scripture, and the significance of Scripture for the church, this is a renaissance most welcome. So many different voices, though, can leave us confused—not only on the finer points of the discussion, but even about its most basic question: What is theological interpretation? We need a map, and this is precisely what Daniel Treier has provided: a map that will be as useful to those already engaged in the conversation as it is crucial for those trying to gain their first bearings.

—Joel B. Green, professor of New Testament interpretation, Fuller Theological Seminary

This is an introduction in the best sense of that term. With uncommon clarity and grace, Treier provides students of theological interpretation with a reliable and appropriately critical map of the terrain. Because Treier is both generous in his treatment of others' work and thoughtful in presenting his own views, students will find him an enlightening and wise guide.

—Stephen Fowl, Loyola College in Maryland

With an impressive mastery of the secondary literature of this new field, Treier shows how the disciplines of historical, systematic, and practical theology play into theological interpretation of Scripture. Treier suggests, like many in this new movement, that a recovery of ancient Christian practices and postures toward Holy Scripture opens the theological imagination and allows for fresh readings, informed by historical criticisms but not captured by them.

—Kathryn Greene-McCreight, St. John's Episcopal Church, New Haven, CT, and coeditor of Theological Exegesis

Product Details

• Title: Introducing Theological Interpretation of Scripture: Recovering a Christian Practice
• Author: Daniel J. Treier
• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Print Publication Date: 2008
• Logos Release Date: 2009
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Bible › Hermeneutics; Bible › Criticism, interpretation, etc; Bible › Theology
• ISBNs: 9781441254610, 9780801031786, 1441254617, 0801031788
• Resource ID: LLS:INTROTHINTSCRPT
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T00:46:23Z

About Daniel J. Treier

Daniel J. Treier (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is Gunther H. Knoedler Chair of Theology at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. He previously served as Blanchard Professor of Theology at Wheaton, and he is the coeditor or author of several books, including Theology and the Mirror of Scripture, Introducing Theological Interpretation of Scripture, and Virtue and the Voice of God.