Theological Interpretation of Scripture

by Stephen E. Fowl

Christians have been interpreting Scripture with an aim of deepening their life with God and each other from the very beginning of the church. The past twenty years or so have witnessed an explosion of scholarly writing devoted to the theological interpretation of Scripture. Stephen Fowl, as an active participant in and contributor to the burgeoning literature, has written an ideal companion for guests at the "large and somewhat chaotic party," introducing them to important people, texts, and issues. The companion explores some of the connections between the long-running and essential Christian practice of theological interpretation and the more recent body of scholarly literature. Ultimately, the companion hopes to encourage readers to join the party in their own right. "Steve Fowl has been both a pioneer and a leader in the return to theological interpretation. In this concise book, he offers us a truly theological and ecclesial account of theological interpretation. It is an inspiring, liberating, and practical work, encouraging all Christians to interpret Scripture so as to find our proper end in ever-deeper communion with God and one another in anticipation of the fullness of God's reign." --Michael J. Gorman, author of Reading Paul (Cascade Books) and Inhabiting the Cruciform God "In this brief companion we find a focused, clear account of major themes in Steve Fowl's approach as well as gracious interaction with the work of others and numerous illustrative appeals to Scripture itself. This is definitely a case in which less is attention to this little book will prove very fruitful for engagement in biblical interpretation as a theological practice." --Daniel J. Treier, author of Introducing Theological Interpretation of Recovering a Christian Practice "Fowl here plays the role not only of companion but guide and host in this clear and compelling introduction to the most important turn-of-the-twentieth-century development in biblical interpretation. He argues that Christian readers should interpret the Bible with an overriding interest in God's interest in using the Bible to promote communion. He practices what he he is generous towards those with whom he disagrees and gives fair descriptions of other approaches to theological interpretation." --Kevin J. Vanhoozer, general editor of the Dictionary for Theological Interpretation of the Bible "Stephen E. Fowl's latest, Theological Interpretation of Scripture, displays gems in the treasure trove of the new-yet-venerable reading the Bible as Scripture of the Church. Fowl helps us to think theologically about reading Christian Scripture as the living voice of God. Fowl invites us into a 'cocktail party' with his conversation partners in this renewal of reading sacra scriptura for the Church's life and witness. Entirely accessible, thoroughly convincing, with a sense of adventure and hope. May his tribe increase! --Rev. Kathryn Greene-McCreight, author of Galatians in the Brazos Theological Commentary Series (forthcoming). Stephen E. Fowl is the Chair of the Department of Theology at Loyola College in Maryland. He is the author of several books, including Engaging A Model for Theological Interpretation (Wipf & Stock, 2008); Reading in Scripture and Ethics in Christian Life (with L. Gregory Jones; Wipf & Stock, 1998); and the Two Horizons commentary on Philippians.

Genres: Theology, Biblical Studies

110 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Dr. Stephen E. Nowl is the chair of the Department of Theology at Loyola University Maryland.

Reviews

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good introduction to the subject and a lens into the current perspectives (at least as of the time of publishing). It does make me wonder where things currently stand some 15 years later.

[Steven · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure I understand theological interpretation of scripture any better after reading this dense tome. I think the volume would benefit from more examples of it so the reader could learn to distinguish it from other approaches to scriptural interpretation.

[Chuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very readable overview of the key issues in Theological Interpretation. Fowl presents an invitation to the party/discussion that is hard to resist. He makes the reader want to know more about how reading Scripture contributes to a deeper life for the church.

As is true of most Theological Interpretation literature I've read, the emphasis of reading as a church in light of the church's past reading is a much needed corrective to the highly individualistic reading presented by most hermeneutical approaches.

Fowl's call to balance the contribution of local church "scholars" and the influence of "academics" is refreshing. At some point (someone smarter than me will have to suggest when) the church relinquished scholarship to the academy and when we did, we lost something of great value.

[Glenn Crouch · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was about a third of the way through, I was tempted to give up on this book, as I wasn't certain where the Author was going. Whilst there were many well written, and even thought-provoking, passages for me they seemed disjoint. However about halfway through this small book things things seem to gel. I became quite engage with the Author's examination of Figural Reading and Ecclesial Practices.

As expected in a "Companion" book, there are many good references in the final chapter - with explanation. And a nice bibliography for further study.

So whilst it started off poorly (in my opinion, and I fully acknowledge the fault may lie with me), I did end up enjoying where the book went :)

[Don Kauffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought Fowl gave an interesting approach to interpreting Scripture! I was looking for a book to help teach a class in the church about "how to read your Bible," and I found extremely helpful insight on the general topic of how to approach scripture.

Favorite image from the book:
"Scripture is the vehicle that God provides for us to travel to our true home along the road established by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus."

[Nathan Whitley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mr. Fowl spills his liberal theological gobbledygook all over the pages of this uninteresting book.

[Радостин Марчев · Rating 3 out of 5]

Кратко, много четливо въведение в течението на богословското тълкуване, което през последните десетилетия набира доста привърженици. Без човек да очаква прекалено много в книгата има някои бележки.