Hermeneutics: An Introduction to Interpretive Theory

by Stanley E. Porter

In this concentrated, intelligible, and useful introductory volume Stanley Porter and Jason Robinson give a splendid overview of hermeneutical and interpretive thought. Neither an all-inclusive survey that moves too quickly over the surface of complex issues nor a specialized volume on a single, narrow topic, Porter and Robinson's Hermeneutics provides critical analysis of major movements and figures in hermeneutics and interpretive theory in the modern era -- from Schleiermacher and Heidegger to Thiselton and Culpepper -- showing especially how these interpreters and their movements have impacted biblical and theological study.

Genres: Philosophy, Biblical Studies, Theology, Reference

328 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 16, 2011

About the author

Stanley E. Porter (PhD, University of Sheffield) is president, dean, and professor of New Testament, and Roy A. Hope Chair in Christian Wolrdview at McMaster Divinity College in Hamilton, Ontario. He has authored or edited dozens of books, including How We Got the New Testament and Fundamentals of New Testament Greek.

Reviews

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

A few years ago, I heard some offhanded advice from a PhD candidate at a large, conservative theological seminary suggest that “every MDiv student who wants to pursue a PhD should read a history of hermeneutics text.” While such reading can inevitably be very dry, this wisdom is something that I, too, would encourage (though I’m only a lowly MDiv candidate myself).

Before this, I had read Anthony Thiselton’s historical introduction. Thistleton is probably the foremost Christian scholar alive in terms of hermeneutical thinking, but the book understandably soared over my head at times. Since reading that though, I found my interest to be piqued towards many of the issues and questions he raised. I also found myself hearing some of the names I was first introduced to in Thiselton’s volume like Schleiermacher, Dilthey, Heidegger, Gadamer, Ricoeur, etc.

I picked up Stan Porter and Jason Robinson’s text at this past years ETS. This text, while very similar to Thiselton’s volume, zeroes in on more questions specific to biblical interpretation, and aimed toward a more elementary reader (though, even an elementary reader will need to have certain philosophical concepts in the toolkit). Porter and Robinson start with Schleiermacher and Dilthey, and then work their way forward through Hussrl and Heidegger, to Gadamer, Ricoeur, Habermas, and then into Saussure’s Structuralism and Derrida’s deconstruction.

In fact, the central strength of this book is how well they organized it. Starting with modern, authorial models and moving organically into various reactions and responses. The authors recognize that if you want to understand Derrida, you need to understand French Structuralism, and if you want to understand Gadamer, you must understand Heidegger. At the end of each chapter, the authors conclude with a short section on critical reception and then conclusion, especially for biblical interpretation.

What this book also has that Thiselton’s does not is a chapter on theological hermeneutics in the work of Vanhoozer and Thiselton, himself. This chapter was especially helpful in light of the hermeneutical moves of both men who have come to influence the Theological Interpretation of Scripture.

I repeat the sentiment that I heard a few years ago and would recommend to any aspiring pastors, seminary students, or theologians to read a good introduction to hermeneutical theory. In my eyes, you won’t find one that is much better than this.

[Lius Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Hermeneutics: An Introduction to Interpretive Theory" by Porter offers a valuable roadmap through the complex landscape of hermeneutical approaches. The book's strength lies in its systematic classification of hermeneutics from Schleiermacher to contemporary thinkers. Porter provides a comprehensive framework, complete with key references and proponents, making it an excellent starting point for further exploration.

However, the explanations could benefit from greater clarity. The critical appraisals at the end of each chapter are insightful, but frustratingly brief. Expanding these sections would significantly enhance the book's utility.

The concluding chapter provides a helpful overview, contextualizing the preceding discussions. Reading it first may prove beneficial.

Recommended for:
Hermeneutics enthusiasts, scholars and those seeking a structured introduction to interpretive theory.

[Радостин Марчев]

Полезно допълнение към Въведението в херменевтиката на Антъни Тиселтън, която също разглежда т. нар. философска херменевтика. Големият плюс на книгата е, че представя учението на авторите в контекста на техния живот, което го прави много по-лесни за възприемане. Въпреки това през цялото време остро усещах колко не ми достигат знания - най-вече поради непознаване на основните съчинения. Единствените глави, които четох без проблем бяха тези посветени на Барт, Бултмън, Тиселтън и Ванхузер. Всичко останало- вкл. Шлайермахер и Куулпепър ми дойдоха в повече. Някои глави направо се отказах след няколко страници и ги прескочих.
Струва ми се, че книгата може да бъде интересна за хора, които вече познават поне в някаква степен оригиналните съчинения на разглежданите автори - в противен случай никак не е лесно да се следи мисълта и да се схванат идеите. От друга страна човек, който познава авторите от оригиналните им съчинения едва ли би спечелил много от преразказ на техните основни идеи.
Накрая - след няколкото негови книги, които прегледах Стенли Портър се очертава като истински енциклопедист - при това в няколко области. Странно, че съм го пропуснал досега, макар че от друга страна обикновено пише на ниво, с което и сега не се справям лесно.

[Kim Matheson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice introduction to hermeneutics, particularly attuned to issues of biblical and theological interpretation. The chapters were a little uneven, however. While the chapters on Gadamer, Habermas, and Derrida were fantastic for their clarity and accessibility, the chapters on Schleiermacher/Dilthey, Ricouer, and structuralism were far more opaque. I imagine this is simply the result of different styles among the coauthors. The book still serves as an excellent introduction to hermeneutics and a handy reference guide.

[Simon Field · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for a masters level biblical hermeneutics module.

This is an overview of hermeneutics as the science of how we make sense of our experiences as well as texts. Much work has gone into this book and as such it provides an impressive summary and overview of thought from Friedrich Schleiermacher to present day theory. Some of the concepts were hard to grasp and slightly opaque- I struggled at times! Nonetheless it gave me an appreciation for the development of hermeneutics over the last 200 or so years.

[Travis Johnston · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great book for hits on dictionary.com.

[Forest Antemesaris · Rating 2 out of 5]

It doesn't really write to the target audience. Also, spoiler alert: of all the influential people in the field of hermeneutics, all of them were white and several of them were literally Nazis.

[Ryan Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dense but helpful overview of modern hermeneutics.

[Brandon Howlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A phenomenal introduction to hermeneutical theory!

[Cody Cunningham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good overview of the major views of interpretive theory in the modern era, but it is quite dry.

[Guilherme Nunes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excelente introdução anteoria da interpretação, principalmente em relação a análise da teoria literária, a Gadamer, Ricouer e outros.