Christian Theologies of Scripture: A Comparative Introduction

by Justin S. Holcomb

All religious traditions that ground themselves in texts must grapple with certain questions concerning the texts' authority. Yet there has been much debate within Christianity concerning the nature of scripture and how it should be understood--a debate that has gone on for centuries.  Christian Theologies of Scripture traces what the theological giants have said about scripture from the early days of Christianity until today. It incorporates diverse discussions about the nature of scripture, its authority, and its interpretation, providing a guide to the variety of views about the Bible throughout the Christian tradition. Preeminent scholars including Michael S. Horton, Graham Ward, and Pamela Bright offer chapters on major figures in the pre-modern, reformation, and early modern eras, from Origen and Aquinas to Luther and Calvin to Barth and Balthasar. They illuminate each thinker's understanding of the Christian scriptures and their views on interpreting the Bible. The book also includes overview chapters to orient readers to the key questions regarding scripture in each era, as well as chapters on scripture and feminism, scripture in the African American Christian tradition, and scripture and postmodernism. This volume will be indispensable reading for students and all those interested in the nature and authority of Christian scripture.

Genres: Theology, History, Scripture

341 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Justin Holcomb is an Episcopal priest and a professor of theology and Christian thought at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Reformed Theological Seminary. He previously taught at the University of Virginia and Emory University. Justin holds an M.A. in Theological Studies and an M.A. in Christian Thought from Reformed Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. from Emory University. He serves on the boards for REST (Real Escape from the Sex Trade) and GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in Christian Environments).

Reviews

[Kim Shay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is as collection of essays on the theology of Scripture. It includes chapters on the history of how how Scripture has been regarded, read, and understood, as well as chapters dealing with specific approaches to Scripture, such as Scripture and feminism and African American approaches to Scripture.

I really enjoyed the chapter on Scripture and feminism. Much of the content of the chapters on the history of Scriptural interpretation was already familiar to me from having read other volumes on the subject.

It's definitely not a light read, but very informative, and it reminds the reader that every single person from every generation and every walk of life approaches Scripture from a specific context. Understanding that fact can help us learn to dialogue with others about the subject more productively.

[Scott Bielinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some really great chapters on premodern theologians. Horton has an excellent introduction to the section on doctrine of Scripture in the Reformation. Zachman's chapter on Calvin was great. Cochran's taxonomy of feminist interpretations of Scripture was very helpful. Overall, this is probably a 3.75, but, as per usual, I'm a softie, so I'll round up.

[Dustin Bagby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, I think this is a great collaborative effort to explain how scripture has been read through the ages. Some essays are better than others of course (as can be said of any compilation with various authors), but overall I found it helpful in seeing the role historical context has played in how scripture is read and interpreted. Especially enjoyed the chapters on Origen, Luther, Barth, and Feminist theology.