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Five Models of Scripture
“To relish the feast that is Scripture, we need to use multiple models.” A Christian never gains all that Scripture offers by reading it with just one approach. Yet too often this is attempted—whether through an academic obsession with the historical-critical method or through a consumerist approach that seeks only the motivation of the moment. Mark Reasoner broadens the options for scriptural engagement by describing five models of documents, stories, prayers, laws, and oracles. To illustrate each, he uses examples from throughout the history of interpretation. While he concedes that certain books of the Bible will naturally lend themselves to particular models, Reasoner shows how an appreciation for all five will enrich one’s scriptural insights while also bridging divides between the various branches of the Christian family. In addition to the five models, Reasoner surveys Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant constructions of the biblical canon and addresses specific issues relevant to their respective interpretations of Scripture, including scriptural metanarratives, the use of the Bible in Christian worship, and the principle of sola Scriptura . Through it all, Reasoner remains unequivocally focused on his “to help readers grow in their love for Scripture in ways that will help them plant this love in those to whom they minister.”
- GenresTheology
311 pages, Paperback
Published August 24, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 13, 2023
In Five Models, Mark Reasoner presents an excellent text on how to read and study the greatest of Texts. The book is broken into four parts: How God Speaks in Scripture, the Five Models of Scripture, Developments in Scripture Reading, and Scripture in Real Life.
In the first part, Reasoner looks at how the canon of scripture was formed as well as what we mean when we say scripture is inspired. Although Reasoner comes from a catholic background, he does an excellent job of presenting multiple viewpoints throughout this book. So although he believes that the Church determined what books are in the canon and therefore it has a greater authority, he also presents a more protestant/evangelical view that the church simply acknowledged the inspiration inherent in certain texts. Throughout this book, we will see this. Reasoner does an excellent job of both presenting his view as well as presenting other views with fairness and respect.
In the second part, we see the five views on which this book got its title. Those are: documents, stories, laws, prayers, and oracles. The documents view is more of an academic or historical critical approach. We are trying to find the meaning and context in which the authors first wrote. While this view at times seems overly critical and downplays (if not completely rejecting) the inspiration of scripture, this view is also what made such excellent books as Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes or Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus. The stories view is how we first saw scripture as little kids. We learned about Joseph's colorful coat, Daniel in the lion's den, David and Goliath, etc. and through these stories we learned biblical truths. The laws view sees scripture as a set of mandates and rules we are required to obey. We read scripture explicitly with the question, "What must I do" in mind. The prayers view is just what it seems. We read scripture to know how to pray. This view is often used specifically with Psalms as we incorporate the prayer songs of David and others into our own prayer life. Finally, there is the oracles view. This view looks for particular inspirational tidbits (often taken out of context) that can motivate or inspire us. The daily Bible verse or finding a particular "scripture for the year" are typical examples of this. All of these ways to view scripture have both advantages and disadvantages and a healthy spiritual life will incorporate all of them at various times and in various ways.
In part three Reasoner tracks the various ways scripture has been read in church history. He examines the emphasis on the spiritual sense found in theologians like Origen and Augustine and the literal sense found in the early reformation leaders like Luther and Calvin. He also points out how in both cases, both senses were present, simply a change in focus and emphasis. Reasoner also examines different metanarratives we often use today as a means of unifying scripture under a common thread like: redemption, creation, election, and liberation.
In the final part Reasoner examines the practical application of everything previously covered. How do we use scripture in our personal and corporate worship? How should a pastor or priest apply it in their sermons or homilies? What benefit is there for academics to incorporate the other views beyond the documents view in their study and publications?
While this book is written primarily as a textbook for seminary students, it is easily readable and would hold benefit for pastors and other church leaders as well. Again, even though Reasoner is catholic, I as an evangelical, pentecostal, protestant gained a lot out of it and will likely be coming back to it for reference and refresher.
In the first part, Reasoner looks at how the canon of scripture was formed as well as what we mean when we say scripture is inspired. Although Reasoner comes from a catholic background, he does an excellent job of presenting multiple viewpoints throughout this book. So although he believes that the Church determined what books are in the canon and therefore it has a greater authority, he also presents a more protestant/evangelical view that the church simply acknowledged the inspiration inherent in certain texts. Throughout this book, we will see this. Reasoner does an excellent job of both presenting his view as well as presenting other views with fairness and respect.
In the second part, we see the five views on which this book got its title. Those are: documents, stories, laws, prayers, and oracles. The documents view is more of an academic or historical critical approach. We are trying to find the meaning and context in which the authors first wrote. While this view at times seems overly critical and downplays (if not completely rejecting) the inspiration of scripture, this view is also what made such excellent books as Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes or Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus. The stories view is how we first saw scripture as little kids. We learned about Joseph's colorful coat, Daniel in the lion's den, David and Goliath, etc. and through these stories we learned biblical truths. The laws view sees scripture as a set of mandates and rules we are required to obey. We read scripture explicitly with the question, "What must I do" in mind. The prayers view is just what it seems. We read scripture to know how to pray. This view is often used specifically with Psalms as we incorporate the prayer songs of David and others into our own prayer life. Finally, there is the oracles view. This view looks for particular inspirational tidbits (often taken out of context) that can motivate or inspire us. The daily Bible verse or finding a particular "scripture for the year" are typical examples of this. All of these ways to view scripture have both advantages and disadvantages and a healthy spiritual life will incorporate all of them at various times and in various ways.
In part three Reasoner tracks the various ways scripture has been read in church history. He examines the emphasis on the spiritual sense found in theologians like Origen and Augustine and the literal sense found in the early reformation leaders like Luther and Calvin. He also points out how in both cases, both senses were present, simply a change in focus and emphasis. Reasoner also examines different metanarratives we often use today as a means of unifying scripture under a common thread like: redemption, creation, election, and liberation.
In the final part Reasoner examines the practical application of everything previously covered. How do we use scripture in our personal and corporate worship? How should a pastor or priest apply it in their sermons or homilies? What benefit is there for academics to incorporate the other views beyond the documents view in their study and publications?
While this book is written primarily as a textbook for seminary students, it is easily readable and would hold benefit for pastors and other church leaders as well. Again, even though Reasoner is catholic, I as an evangelical, pentecostal, protestant gained a lot out of it and will likely be coming back to it for reference and refresher.
September 13, 2022
A fantastic piece of reading! I didn't put it down till the very last word!
I've come to the realization that while I can relate to many different approaches to reading the Bible, I should always keep this thought in mind: "The feast cannot be entirely experienced at one meal." Just as one can enjoy and benefit from meals on a daily basis, each interaction with the Bible can bring pleasurable, new sustenance.
In truth, a lack of exposure makes it impossible to properly understand or grasp the Scripture. There are always going to be new facts to discover as well as fresh approaches to appreciate and take in the Scripture. Therefore, I pray that I may maintain the practice of intellectual humility and continue to learn new methods from my brothers and sisters who adhere to other faiths.
I've come to the realization that while I can relate to many different approaches to reading the Bible, I should always keep this thought in mind: "The feast cannot be entirely experienced at one meal." Just as one can enjoy and benefit from meals on a daily basis, each interaction with the Bible can bring pleasurable, new sustenance.
In truth, a lack of exposure makes it impossible to properly understand or grasp the Scripture. There are always going to be new facts to discover as well as fresh approaches to appreciate and take in the Scripture. Therefore, I pray that I may maintain the practice of intellectual humility and continue to learn new methods from my brothers and sisters who adhere to other faiths.
July 26, 2023
A very well written and informative book about taking a more holistic view on academic scripture studies. I've heard many times before how theology at university can kill your faith. This book is written to help you through studies and come out stronger on the other side instead. The author shows the difference between the protestant, catholic, and orthodox Bible interpretation throughout the book and that's very interesting. Though the author is Catholic himself, and there are some minor points I disagree with him on in the book, he's doing a very good job in keeping the book balanced. I would recommend this book to all theology students, to help them lift their eyes and look beyond the historic critical books and the stuck professors, to not lose sight of the one true God.
July 25, 2023
In conclusion, Reasoner’s book is great as an introduction to this five models of Scripture. He seeks to unite but the thoughtful Protestant will meet resistance. What I tried to do in today’s review is to identify the root cause of this resistance. It’s ironic that the reason we differ so much is, ultimately, we hold to a different model of Scripture.
Full 3,200 word review: https://readingandreaders.com/podcast...
Full 3,200 word review: https://readingandreaders.com/podcast...
September 7, 2025
The author is from different theological tradition, but this is an excellent discussion of five different models of reading scripture for someone who is a Christian. Worth the time and effort to read. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews