Understanding Scripture: An Adventist Approach

by George W. Reid (Editor )

This volume introduces the readers to a series of prinicples of biblical interpretation that is compatible with the Adventist high view of the Bible as the word of God. By including chapters dealing with the nature of revelation, inspiration, and the authority of the Bible, it reveals the scriptural presuppositions that Seventh-day Adventists bring to the text as they seek to obtian better understanding of the Bible and of their own presuppositions.

Genres: Theology

363 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is essentially a handbook for how to approach Bible study. Although the chapters are written by theologians they are generally understandable. Examples are given that do a great deal to clarify the sometimes technical language, both short examples for single verses, and longer ones looking at passages. In presenting it the method it also does well to present why the method is a good approach.

The two shortcomings of the book are it's organization and expected audience. Each chapter is written by a different author, and it a times feels like a group of journal articles bound together, rather than a coherent work. As you start each chapter you'll find yourself reading the same basic premises over again before you get into the meat of it's focus. It would have been better to have the first appendix be the first chapter (or introduce the practical section) with each author building off of it.

The book seems to be intended for laymen, especially given the look of it's companion, Interpreting Scripture - Bible Questions and Answers. As I said it is generally understandable and accessible, but every so often seems more for the specialist. This is most noticeable in Canale's chapter on Revelation and Inspiration. Though this has less to do with Canale's style than with his usage of the common scholarly meaning of these two terms, which in itself is confusing due to significant departure from common and Biblical usage.

[Alex Portillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many SDAs borrow their understanding of the Bible from evangelicals and celebrity Adventist preachers. This academic work is a great compilation to introduce Adventist theologians to the varied perspectives in how Adventists approach Scripture and our hermenutical methods and how they stand out from evangelicals, catholics, and Reformed Christians.

[Canny Tay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really nice book to know how Adventist approach the studying of Scripture.