Virtuous Reader, The: Old Testament Narrative and Interpretive Virtue

Studies in Theological Interpretation

by Richard S. Briggs

Biblical interpretation expert Richard S. Briggs presents a rich and thought provoking portrait, or series of portraits, of the kind of character most needed to be a good reader of the Old Testament. He highlights the moral character or virtues most appropriate to the varied tasks of reading the Old Testament, provides insight on theological interpretation, and examines five ways the Old Testament improves our ability to read Scripture well. Briggs also offers a defense of "interpretive virtue" and includes case studies of the Old Testament's shaping of the virtues of humility, wisdom, trust, love, and receptivity.

Genres: Old Testament

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Richard S. Briggs (PhD, University of Nottingham) is director of biblical studies and hermeneutics at Cranmer Hall, St. John’s College, University of Durham in Durham, England. He is the author of several books.

Reviews

[Ray Clendenen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Briggs’s book gives wonderful insights on how one should interpret Scripture so that it can have the greatest effect on the reader. It is a delightful book to read and very thought-provoking. Briggs is careful to stress the importance of taking what scripture actually says rather than what we want to say.