Models For Interpretation Of Scripture

by John E. Goldingay

This definitive study looks at the task of interpreting Scripture by exploring four broad models for understanding Scripture, namely, "witnessing tradition," "authoritative canon," "inspired word," and "experienced revelation." The diversity of interpretive approaches implied by the use of these four models is carried further by a methodological catholicity and openness within each of the four major divisions of the book. For instance, in dealing with the interpretation of scriptural narrative, Goldingay carefully explains how literary approaches to Scripture and a concern for the history narrated in the Bible's stories can be held together with other interpretive focuses. In his discussions of differing approaches and focuses in interpretation, Goldingay is impressively clear and informative and demonstrates a sophisticated ability to respond to and challenge what other scholars have written. Throughout this volume, Goldingay continually moves toward the interpreter's final task-communication to others of what has been gained in interpretation. He asks, for example, what are the implications of the different interpretive strategies for Christian life, human liberation, preaching and Christian community life. He demonstrates his conclusions with numerous examples of interpretation-his own and those of others-of specific Bible passages. JOHN GOLDINGAY is David Allan Hubbard Professor of Old Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. He is the author of numerous scholarly books and commentaries on Daniel (Word Biblical Commentary) and Isaiah (New International Biblical Commentary). He has also written several more popular expositions such as After Eating the Apricot and Men Behaving Badly.

Genres: Theology, Biblical Studies, Christian

340 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1969

About the author

John Goldingay is David Allan Hubbard Professor of Old Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. An internationally respected Old Testament scholar, Goldingay is the author of many commentaries and books.

Reviews

[Corey Hampton · Rating 4 out of 5]

great - will read again soon.

[Daniel Clemence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Models for Interpretation of Scripture is a Christian hermeneutics book that looks into the differences in scriptural interpretation. It looks over the four main different theories for understanding scriptural interpretation including witness tradition, authoritative canon, inspired word and experience revelation. Each of these different models are explained and examined in great detail.

What I think is good about this book is its representation of different theological positions and balanced approach. Rather than seeing the Bible as having a single defined, systematic theology, Models for Interpretation of Scripture has a view that the Bible has many different voices that can be represented. Having been written by John Goldingay who has been a priest in the Anglican Church, the book is very good at representing Anglican theology with its balance and representation of different positions.

The views it represents include Marxist theology, Liberation theology, Critical Bible theory , Feminist theology, alongside more mainstream theologians such as Karl Barth and Liberal theologians such as Rudolph Bultmann.

The book is exceptionally well researched, with a systematic use of footnotes and bibliography. The book really asks strong questions about how one reconciles the Bible as being a work of humans versus the claims of faith.

A recommendation for those who have a deep interest in hermeneutics and those who want to preach from the Bible.

[Chuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

The final three chapters of this book are a must read for anyone preaching the Scriptures. While the book as a whole is helpful and challenging, these chapters capture the essence of our weekly journey. A bit dense in places, Models gives you lots to chew on. Goldingay causes thought and that's always a good thing.

It quickly becomes obvious that it would be helpful to have some familiarity with philosophers and the history of hermenuetical approaches to Scripture. However, the insights into how we view Scripture and options for seeing Scripture differently are powerful.

If nothing else, a reader who is willing to have previous approaches to the Bible challenged, will find this eye-opening.

[Nicholas Quient · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite simply, one of the best books on Scripture I've ever read - and I say that with extreme and open bias! Goldingay is a helpful teacher and humble guide through the landmines that sometimes comprise Scripture, and this book should be on your shelf if you are a pastor. His sections on preaching are indepth, humbling, and as evangelical as one can be.

Highly recommended. I'm not selling this one back.

NQ

[Zach Waldis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some good thoughts about preaching at the end. I think the first volume was better, but both are important contributions to Biblical hermeneutics.