Evangelicals Now
<< November 1996 >>

Biblical Interpretation Past and Present

Biblical Interpretation Past and Present
By Gerald Bray
Apollos. 508 pages. £24.99

This book is likely to become something of a classic and required reading for all students of theology. I would have considered it pure gold as an undergraduate and even now have benefited greatly from reading it.
What Dr. Bray does is to present in an accessible form all the main approaches to biblical interpretation, from early Jewish exegesis to contemporary approaches in interpreting the Bible with a considered and insightful evaluation of each.
The format adopted to achieve this is masterly. Following a general chapter on the Bible, the concept of revelation and the Bible as revelation - concepts which remain true through all ages - Dr. Bray divides the rest of the book into three parts.
The first section covers the period from ancient times to the beginning of critical biblical study. This includes hermeneutical methods employed during the biblical period itself, the patristic period, the middle ages and the Reformation. The second section focuses on the rise of modern critical interpretation of the Bible from the middle of the 17th century up to the early part of the 20th century. The final section discusses current trends in biblical interpretation with a superb chapter on evangelical scholarship.
Each chapter begins with an outline of the period under discussion, enabling the reader to readily grasp the main issues involved. Then there is a helpful resume of the major writers and their significant works, followed by a discussion of the main interpretative/doctrinal issues raised. Each method is illustrated with reference to the handling of specific biblical texts and finally each chapter ends with an examination of individual biblical books which played an important role in biblical study in the period in question.
Dr. Bray is an excellent guide, gently taking the reader on an exciting journey in what is increasingly becoming a complex technical field. Never are we left missing the wood for the trees and the clarity of expression employed is a model of good communication. The range and depth of Dr. Bray's knowledge is simply breathtaking and it is a source of encouragement to know there are scholars of Dr. Bray's intellectual stature who hold a defensible biblical conservative position.
This is a must for all who want to have a historical perspective on interpreting the Bible. It was Hegel who said that the only thing that history teaches us is that we fail to learn its lessons. Reading this book would correct that mistake. It is highly recommended.

Melvin Tinker