Christian Theologies Of Scripture: A Comparative Introduction

"What does it mean to call biblical writings the 'word of God'? This fine collection of readable essays based on current research gives an excellent overview of Christians' answers to that question from the third century to the present and undermines widespread caricatures and over-simplifications."
--David H. Kelsey, Yale Divinity School

"Provides a state-of-the-art introduction to how Christian theories of scriptural interpretation have been intimately bound up with beliefs about life with God, examining both the outlooks of movements and periods, and the contributions of great theologians. No one with an interest in theological exegesis of biblical hermeneutics can afford to miss this book."--David S. Yeago, Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary

All religious traditions that ground themselves in texts must grapple with certain questions concerning the texts' authority. Yet there has been much debate within Christianity concerning the nature of scripture and how it should be understood--a debate that has gone on for centuries.

a I]t represents more than a collection of essays. It is a helpful, at times profound, mapping of Christiansa reflections on their Scriptures.a
--"Choice," Recommended

Christian Theologies of Scripture traces what the theological giants have said about scripture from the early days of Christianity until today. It incorporates diverse discussions about the nature of scripture, its authority, and its interpretation, providing a guide to the variety of views about the Bible throughout the Christian tradition.

Preeminent scholars including Michael S. Horton, Graham Ward, and PamelaBright offer chapters on major figures in the pre-modern, reformation, and early modern eras, from Origen and Aquinas to Luther and Calvin to Barth and Balthasar. They illuminate each thinker's understanding of the Christian scriptures and their views on interpreting the Bible. The book also includes overview chapters to orient readers to the key questions regarding scripture in each era, as well as chapters on scripture and feminism, scripture in the African American Christian tradition, and scripture and postmodernism.

This volume will be indispensable reading for students and all those interested in the nature and authority of Christian scripture.