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 PrintableVersion Behind the textFaith and scholarshipBEHIND THE TEXT This is the fourth of eight volumes emerging from a series of annual seminars on Scripture and Hermeneutics sponsored jointly by Bible Society and Baylor University of Waco, Texas. The seminars are concerned to bridge the gulf between the way in which the Bible is viewed and used in the 'academy' (university theological departments) and in the 'church'. In each of the seminars, Christian academics from a variety of disciplines seek to engage with Scripture and its message with academic rigour but equally from the perspective of faith. Through these volumes the sponsors of the seminars are seeking to engender a renewed confidence in the Bible. The present volume in this series considers the relationship between the Bible's testimony and history. In particular, the various writers are reacting against the tendency of liberal interpretation in the last century to try to get 'behind' the text to the real events, people or history supposedly hidden under layers of pious tradition. Examples of this approach are attempts to discover the conflicting sources behind the Pentateuch and the historical circumstances from which they arose, or the various attempts to rediscover the 'historical Jesus'. The writers of this volume generally consider that such an approach tends to fragment the Bible, selling out the big picture of its message in return for a jumble of jigsaw pieces. It is difficult in such a short space to give an adequate view of this large book. Contributions come from a variety of traditions; to give an idea of the scope, some are evangelical while others are Roman Catholic. All the contributors, however, share a concern to let the Bible speak to us on its own terms - with its own voice. Clearly this is not everyone's bedtime reading: it is a scholarly volume and some of the writers tend to use language that needs reading several times before the sense is plain. Nevertheless, it will prove particularly valuable to pastors and Christian leaders who wish to maintain an interest in biblical and theological studies at a scholarly level. The footnotes and bibliographies provide many valuable pointers to further reading. You will certainly not agree with everything you read - Colin Greene's chapter particularly annoyed me, as it seemed to advocate an existential approach to the biblical text, quite out of keeping with the rest of the volume. But even when you disagree, you will find the book stimulating. Interacting with what you read will deepen your understanding of Scripture and doubtless provide stimulus for further biblical study and for preaching. Peter Misselbrook, © Evangelicals Now - August 2004 |
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