Searching for the Pattern: My Journey in Interpreting the Bible

by John Mark Hicks

MOVING FROM A “BLUEPRINT HERMENEUTIC” TO A THEOLOGICAL ONE

In this book, John Mark Hicks tells the story of his own hermeneutical journey in reading the Bible. Lovingly and graciously, he describes his transition from a “blueprint hermeneutic” to a theological one. Some suggest that moving away from a patternistic command-example-and-necessary-inference approach for understanding what God requires leaves no other alternative, or at least none that both respects biblical authority and seeks to obey the gospel of Jesus the Messiah.

In Searching for the Pattern, John Mark offers just such an alternative. His theological hermeneutic is deeply rooted in the way the Bible presents itself as a dramatic history of God’s plan to redeem the world as well as his own experience of growing up among Churches of Christ. Seeing the gospel of Jesus as the center of the biblical drama reorients us to what provides our Christian identity and unites us as disciples of Jesus.

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I pray this book is received with open hearts and open minds because I believe this work could go a long way in helping to bring unity to our fractured fellowship. 

—Wes McAdams, Preaching Minister for the church of Christ on McDermott Road, Plano, Texas

This excellent book helps us understand the inner workings of Bible interpretation among Churches of Christ and provides a persuasive proposal for Bible interpretation that is built on the story of God we find in Scripture—a story into which God calls us.

—James L. Gorman, Associate Professor of History, Johnson University
Knoxville, Tennessee

Finally, a trellis across the chasm! Throughout this book, Hicks does not compromise his high regard for both the church and the Scriptures; and through the grace found therein, he composes this urgent invitation back to the Table, where obedience cooperates with mystery, and we—estranged or conflicted—can find our place as one within God’s magnificent story.

—Tiffany Mangan Dahlman, Minister at Courtyard Church of Christ,
Fayetteville, North Carolina

John Mark Hicks is Professor of Theology at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee. He has taught for thirty-eight years in schools associated with the Churches of Christ. He has published fifteen books and lectured in twenty countries and forty states and is married to Jennifer. They share six children and six grandchildren.

Genres: Theology, Christianity

186 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 29, 2019

Reviews

[Brent Keck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hicks gave voice to many things I'd been thinking and wondering concerning how we in Churches of Christ do biblical interpretation and hermeneutics.

[Kathryn Judson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read most of this a couple/three months ago, but I am just getting around to dusting off my to-finish-reading stack on the one hand, and my Goodreads listings on the other. I'm terribly behind on both.

From what I remember from the read-through, this book was helpful in understanding certain branches of Churches of Christ, and how they got to their distinctive ways of reading the Bible and how to apply their conclusions to church practice. As the author learned to question that, he moved to a different view of understanding Scripture, one that puts Christ more at the center and that doesn't stretch certain texts quite as far as has become traditional. So far, so good. Later in the book, though, he and I draw different conclusions from what he's presented. It's still a good read, and of course it's his book and not mine. So, the bottom line is that I recommend the book without agreeing with a fair bit of what's in it. It's interesting testimony, and it encourages course corrections where needed, especially in the tradition in which he was raised.

In the full disclosure department, the author has been a Facebook friend for quite a while, but we don't know each other. I sometimes disagree with him there, too; but overall find his perspectives helpful as well as charitable.

[Bledar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I forgot about having purchased the book two years ago and read it on the plane. I read it at a time when I have been reading a lot on hermeneutics. The book aims to challenge the CENI (Direct Command, Approved Example, and Necessary Inference) strategy. I hear the concerns raised by the book, but in the end, I think Hicks has brought to light more reflection on the "I" via "theological interpretation" as he calls it. Where would a "theological interpretation" lead without direct commands and approved examples, I don't know, but it certainly leads me into waters of uncertainty. Having surveyed over 20 interpretative methods in the last six months, I can still see the validity of CENI when used canonically and theologically after "successive readings" angled at different aspects of the text.

[Laura Case · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was raised in a very conservative congregation of the Church of Christ and have a sensitive radar to anything that sounds remotely legalistic in nature. Hence, I would never have read this on my own just because of its title! I read it only because it was chosen for a class discussion. I appreciate and can relate John Mark Hicks’ journey of interpretation from a blueprint model into a theological method. I do, however, wish that more could have been said about the Holy Spirit’s activity in actually helping us understand what God is teaching us through his Word. Without the Spirit’s involvement, we are handicapped in our understanding.

[Tim Ogle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent challenge and explanation for pattern theology

This books is a solid challenge and explanation of pattern theology and how it can be used in a healthy manner.

[Ethan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author speaks of his journey in Biblical hermeneutics, moving from a standard mid-20th century American interpretive matrix manifest in churches of Christ to a more theologically rooted interpretive matrix in Christ.

The story he tells is compelling, although I found the catalyst for thought interesting. I have been on a similar journey, although on the other side of the fence on the issue of church support for institutions and non-saints. One can come to an appreciation of the theological premises and a theological framework for interpretation and maintain a non-institutional view relative to the work of the church.

The author's theological interpretive framework, recognizing Scripture as the story of God's working with His people, the primacy of understanding everything we think, feel, and do in terms of Christ and God's purposes as accomplished in Him, and to maintain a theological framework throughout. The author ultimately has no issue with the premise of commands, examples, and necessary inferences, but well recognizes that there is more to it than CENI and that the CENI found in Scripture must itself be understood in the framework of what God has accomplished in Jesus.

I may not agree with every conclusion the author reaches in application, but I can certainly commend the framework advanced. We participate as the people of God in Christ according to what God has made known in Scripture, but always in service to God in Christ.

[John Dobbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Searching for the Pattern is both a challenging and enlightening read. My friend Dr. John Mark Hicks has presented an interesting approach to interpreting the Bible that is rooted in the story of the Bible itself.

I wonder if anyone who did NOT grow up in the Church of Christ will be able to identify with the spiritual journey that Dr. Hicks presents. I suppose every denomination has its extremes, and maybe if one changes the names, the story would remain the same. But I don't know. As a lifelong member of the Church of Christ, I know all too well the journey he has taken. But I know I couldn't have put it in the kind of words / framework that he has. I do think that any Christian who is committed to studying the Bible would benefit from the approach that is most clearly outlined in the second half of the book - a theological hermeneutic.

I will say that I am very very appreciative of the tone that Dr. Hicks sets as he talks about those with whom he knows will disagree with him. He is no stranger to how churches treat those who think outside of the box and arrive at different conclusions. Even so, he is kind as he speaks about those who still retain a sturdy tripartite hermeneutic of command/example/inference and who search the scriptures for a blueprint for today.

Along the way there were a few times where I felt very uncomfortable reading this book. It does address, after all, the kind of approach to interpretation that I grew up with, was trained in, and exercised for many years. Still, my discomfort was evident as I continued to read and soak in the approach he suggests. To my relief, as I read, I understood that he had the same discomforts as he described his journey and addressed the very concerns that were running through my mind.

I highly recommend this book, primarily for those who are familiar with the Churches of Christ and the approach to the Bible that is common among us. I think ministers and studious Christians would gain much from this book. I would hope and pray that it is influential in the minds and studies of young men who are entering the ministry. Maybe they won't be like me, with many sermons presenting 2+2=5 (because a 'necessary' inference became larger than the text itself!).

I'm grateful to John Mark Hicks for this book and his friendship and the scholarship he brings to the table.

[James Hallmark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Those with church of Christ backgrounds may find this book interesting (or heretical, depending on your view of “the pattern”). Those without connections to the church of Christ (COC) would probably not find it of interest. Essentially, Hicks challenges the hermeneutic of the historical COC, one in which God’s pattern for religious fellowship, for church, for living may be deduced from inferences and examples found in the Bible. Importantly, these inferences are not “commands,” but rather logical conclusions based on a set of assumptions. Hicks questions these assumptions (“questions” is generous; he asserts the assumptions are wrong) and advances an alternative hermeneutic, that of revealing the nature of God. The “pattern” folks, according to Hicks, think of the Bible as a “blueprint” for how they should live and worship (I’ve similarly described that mode of thinking as “the Bible as a rulebook”). Hicks says that is a misplaced belief, instead arguing the Bible is God’s means of conveying his endless story of love and redemption. That’s all well and good, but frankly, I didn’t think it was a very well-written book. It starts really solid, well-written prose carefully explaining the issues. Unfortunately, once you get about half-way through it starts rambling. I will theorize that this was a good article transformed into book length manuscript, and the last half of the book (which is largely repetitious and examples) was added. This is my second Hicks book, and I’d say “Resisting Babel” was a thousand times better.

[David Blankenship · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having taken a graduate-level class on Biblical hermeneutics with Dr. Hicks over two decades ago, I was familiar with most of the principles and techniques he spoke of in this short work that is partially autobiographical but mostly about proper Biblical study in the light of the gospel. I greatly appreciate his own indebtedness to the traditionally 'patternistic' hermeneutic of Churches of Christ, even as he moves beyond it towards a more theologically and Christocentric method of interpretation. Many of his own transitions in understanding sound similar to my own, in which a growing unease with patternistic interpretations and the lifeless religion they create led him to find a better way to interpret Scripture, to do so in a manner which takes into account the very nature of God himself in Christ Jesus. Having been down that path, I understand how difficult it is to change, but Dr. Hicks gives a very good, very readable guide to how better interpret Scripture. This is harder than it sounds, in that interpretation is ironically a topic that most well-intentioned writers cannot write about clearly.

[Cody · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provided a sense of security after considerable time spent in insecurity. I, like Dr. Hicks, was raised in the churches of Christ, albeit in an extremist branch of the mainstream churches. I was taught to read scripture through the lens of not just patternism, but what Dr. Hicks calls ecclesial perfectionism.

Ecclesial perfectionism has wrecked my faith. It demands absolute perfection in understanding and practice. Doubt, then, means damnation. Disagreement, then, means damnation. Difference, then, means damnation. My response to an all-or-nothing theology was all or nothing in various radical ways, including agnosticism and universalism. This was a constant struggle for me, which was compounded by my regular attendance in a traditional COC setting.

Dr. Hicks helped me reign-in these impulses by offering a more Christ-centered approach to Scriptural interpretation and offering good citations for a gracious theology where we don't draw fellowship lines for inferential conclusions to proof texts.

[Alana Johns · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to process for a couple days before writing my review. I felt like a lot of things God has been showing me over the last few years were put into words I didn’t have through this book. Learning more about God’s character was showing inconsistencies with what I thought scripture said. This book helped me understand why the COC understands scripture the way it does and what all we are missing. I think every member of the church of Christ should read this and open their minds to things we have been missing.

[Robert W · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Mark Hicks story may be your story

I liked how Hicks layed a grounding of where he came from without disparaging his family and mentors. He was very patient with contrasting what he once believed with his changing views. I appreciated the thoroughness of his objections to his own past thinking. This book has the potential to change your mind about Biblically interpretation and application Very well written.

[Dan Bouchelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

For people raised in the a capella Churches of Christ, with a strong indoctrination in pattern theology, this book will be of tremendous value. For almost anyone else, this will likely be source of bewilderment. The portion dealing with narrative theology is helpful for all follower of Jesus. The rest will only make sense to CoC insiders.

[Matt Cavender · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read with a critical view of legalism. I truly believe reading this book will help make readers take an honest view of the Word. If nothing else it draws attention to lenses, we may have been handed. I read this book and Mind your King by Doy Moyer simultaneously, and I can tell you they are two sides of a coin.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book by Dr. Hicks. This is a helpful walk through how to read the Bible and to put it into practice. I’d highly recommend this to all but especially to those in the Churches of Christ. If you’ve ever been wondered why something is believed and practiced this will be a helpful guide.

[Bill Buckingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read.

Thought provoking read discussing what John Mark Hicks refers to as the theological hermeneutic. Highly recommend if you are looking to understand God and his will for your life.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walking in the Light...

Thank you. I have gone through a similar struggle for the true biblical hermeneutic. Jesus is God in the flesh and humans are to be image-bearers of God. So, it only makes sense that Jesus is the pattern for disciples and the churches of Christ.

[J.Tyrone Marcus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, Game-Changing Book!

This was a beautifully crafted book which pointed the reader to the heart of God instead of a focus on the right blueprint for the church. The was particularly relevant to Restoration Movement family of churches to which I belong.

[Corinne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be a very insightful and helpful resource while I have been journeying through questions of my faith and upbringing in the church of Christ. This book made a lot of sense to me and helped clarify thoughts I was having.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved this. A fresh new way to look at the Bible. It does get deep and complex.. and I've had a couple people tell me it's difficult and boring, but I loved it.

[Caleb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Repetitive, but it most certainly accomplishes what it set out to do: highlight the complexity of interpreting the Bible, and the simplicity in praising Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

[Laura S]

This is an important book that I need to read more deeply. Reading via Kindle is not the best for me, so I will study it again when my hard copy arrives in a couple weeks.

[Brian Mccumsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoughtful theology

Much of what I remember from my childhood was in this book. This book treats those that can before with dignity. A wonderful and respectful path forward!

[Jonathan Caldwell · Rating 2 out of 5]

John Mark Hicks is a good, engaging writer. This book is a quick, easy read. But there are a few problems with his arguments. He completely overstates the difficulties of using CENI to determine what God would have us to do. Just because readers may not know the names and rules and principles of logic, doesn't mean they do not know how to read and come to legitimate conclusions. In describing CENI, he treats it as a hermeneutic when, in actuality, it is not. CENI is how we communicate. I prefer Doy Moyer's "Tell, Show, Imply" but it is the same thing. Communication can only happen through telling, showing, or implying. That's not a hermeneutic. Further, he acts as if Christians have never agreed on anything using CENI when in reality, there are only a handful of issues. Hicks also acts as if CENI and his "theological hermeneutic" are mutually exclusive. He doesn't say this, but that is the IMPLICATION. I would argue that these two things work hand in hand. It is actually humorous as he presents his theological hermeneutic concerning baptism and lands on the example, commands, and inferences of Jesus Christ.

They are two major concerns with his conclusions: 1. By dulling the knife of the pattern we see in scripture we are left to revel in ambiguity. Hicks says, "While the exact manner in which this plays out in our lives, and in our churches often remains relatively, though not absolutely, ambiguous and imprecise, our central confession of the gospel is clear and sure, and that is the pattern." No one was arguing about the role that emulating Jesus in our life plays. But you are going to tell me that we can't use the NT to learn what God wants us to do and practice as a church? 2. This leads to a very subjective place. It can become a slippery slope. And Hicks all but makes this clear as he discusses 1 Corinthians 16 and 2 Corinthians 8-9 and the "saints only" doctrine. It didn't sit right in his gut...so he went looking for a different way to read it!

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple and Needed

As a life-long learner within the restoration movement, it is my concern that our search for "simplicity" has turned us to anything but. We've, at times, missed the forest for the trees.

Simply put, for way too long we've been asking the wrong questions of scripture. I believe this work points us towards a healthier dialogue and journey with scripture. When we reformulate the questions shaped by the pattern of how Jesus and the NT writer's read scripture, a healthier fellowship will surely emerge.

[Michael Summers · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Mark Hicks proposes a hermeneutic that incorporates aspects of the regulative principle while focusing more on the heart of God and how the Bible reflects God's values and purpose. Hicks unveils his proposal in the ecclesial context of the Church of Christ, to which both he and I belong. Parts of the narrative recount his search for God's will and struggles he experienced along the way. The appendices of the book add value by providing case studies and questions to ask when seeking to interpret scripture. Do not fail to read them.

[Eric Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humble tone pursuing unity

The best part of the book was the humble tone that is obviously pursuing unity. He recalls with fondness his time in mainstream churches of Christ. Unlike many who have chosen a different hermeneutic, he does not condemn or speak harshly of those who embrace a blueprint hermeneutic.

I highly recommend this.book.

[Bill Hooten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Speaks to a struggle that students, ministers, and teachers among churches of Christ have struggled with for years. He does a remarkable job of outlining the current practice, and suggesting a new approach to the interpretation of Scripture. Would highly recommend this volume to anyone that is interested in handling Scripture correctly.

[Mitchell Lavender · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was excellent. It was the beginning of the cracks in my paradigm. I loved it, but the emotions associated with reading it were very heavy due to the affirmations which lead to a dramatic change in thinking. It will likely set you free, and that can be very scary for some people. May God bless your journey.

[Chara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

An excellent analysis of the CoC as it has evolved and a better hermanutic to guide us as we move into the furure. I'm especially excited by the final appendix and the way that he talks about Bible stories and how to read them in a more useful and effective way.