Reading the Bible with Giants: How 2000 Years of Biblical Interpretation Can Shed New Light on Old Texts

by David Paul Parris

Many readers of the Bible believe that interpreting the Scriptures well simply involves a two-way dialogue between themselves and the text. Implied in this view is the idea that we can simply jump over two thousand years of biblical interpretation. However, if we believe that God has been speaking through the Bible to devout believers throughout history it would seem that we should find a way to identify the insights they perceived in the text so that we can learn to read these sacred texts with them. Drawing on resources from Reception Theory, the goal of Reading the Bible with the Giants is to enable the contemporary reader to interpret the Bible in dialogue with those who have gone before us.

Genres: Theology

236 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 4, 2015

About the author

David Parris is the Associate Director and Affiliate Professor of New Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary's Colorado Springs campus. He is the author of Reception Theory and Biblical Interpretation.

Reviews

[C.E. Case · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is not, as I originally thought, a book that contains Biblical commentary through the ages. It's instead a theory and instructions for how to read the Bible yourself. It's written by an Anglican who comes across as an Evangelist, and this book is definitely, in part, an attempt at conversion, pretending to be scholarly. It reminds me of Biblical literalist chronology (wiki it) where Christians spent hundreds of years trying to make the Bible line up with history without taking science, geology, literature, or common sense into account. The only real example of commentary it gives is about whether or not Jonah was REALLY eaten by a giant fish/whale. Who cares?

The scholarship is doubtful, too. He brings up the apocalyptic theory of ancient sea monsters, but doesn't seem to quite get to Leviathan. If you're interested, Phillip Harland is a better place to start. He also touches on literary theory in the Bible, but doesn't spend much time explaining what it is. Atler's Literary Guide to the Bible is far superior.

Maybe this book is meant to the average audience? Read Bart D Ehrman instead. Or if atheists aren't to be trusted, then C. S. Lewis. And read those that the book tantalizes you with, but never materialize! Augustine, Clement, Martin Luther, Calvin, Wesley.

The book's premise is so tantalizing--Biblical scholars through the ages never agree on ANYTHING. So does "correct interpretation" even exist? What a waste.

Oh, one more plug. The Prostitute in The Family Tree by Douglas Adams. It's literally this book, even written by a minister, but with EXAMPLES.

[Lew Button · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read that if you see a turtle on top of a fence post you know it didn't get there by itself. This book was a good reminder that where ever a person may be on the theological spectrum he/she did not get there without help, though not knowing the giant that got them there. For me this book was a humility gut check. There are those in my tradition who believe God gave them the proper interpretation without acknowledging the giants, or maybe not so tall, people on whose shoulders they are standing.
I will be referencing Parris in the classes I teach. I will be using his appendecies for study. More than that I want to hold God's word with awe, wonder and humility.
To get more specific about his content I appreciate the passages he chose (Jonah and the whale, the great commission) though I have a few more to consider. I especially like that he showed how these texts can be assigned in class and discussed together. I may use these suggestions when classes begin in the Fall.
I will put this book on my recommended books list along with The Hermeneutical Spiral.

[Kristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Parris is more than a little long winded at times. He had some good things to say but could have been more clear and more to the point.