Dictionary for Theological Interpretation of the Bible

By Baker Publishing Group

For the pastor or serious layperson, the realm of biblical interpretation can be a confusing maze of personalities, communities, methods, and theories. This maze can often result in obscuring the main goal of interpreting Scripture: hearing and knowing God better.

The Dictionary for Theological Interpretation of the Bible is a groundbreaking reference tool that introduces readers to key names, theories, and concepts in the field of biblical interpretation. It discusses these approaches and evaluates their helpfulness in enabling Christians to hear what God is saying to the church through Scripture. The contributors come from a variety of backgrounds, and the dictionary covers a broad range of topics with both clarity and depth.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
• Release date: Nov 1, 2005
• ISBN: 9781441210586

Book preview

DICTIONARY for

THEOLOGICAL

INTERPRETATION

of the BIBLE

© 2005 by Baker Book House Company

Published by Baker Academic

a division of Baker Publishing Group

Grand Rapids, Michigan

BakerAcademic.com

Ebook edition created 2020

Ebook corrections 06.06.2024

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—for example, electronic, photocopy, recording—without the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

ISBN 978-1-4412-1058-6

Unless otherwise labeled, Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com

Scripture quotations labeled ESV are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations labeled KJV are from the King James Version of the Bible.

Scripture quotations labeled NKJV are from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations labeled NRSV are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations labeled RSV are from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations labeled TNIV are from the Holy Bible, Today’s New International Version®. TNIV®. Copyright © 2001, 2005 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com

Baker Publishing Group publications use paper produced from sustainable forestry practices and post-consumer waste whenever possible.

CONTENTS

Cover

Half Title Page

Title Page

Copyright Page

Alphabetical List of Articles

List of Contributors

List of Abbreviations

Introduction

Dictionary Articles

List of Articles by Category

Topical Index

Scripture Index

Back Cover

ALPHABETICAL LIST OF ARTICLES

Acts, Book of

Aesthetics

. See Art, the Bible and; Formalism; Literary Criticism; Music, the Bible and; Western Literature, the Bible and

African Biblical Interpretation

Alexandrian Interpretation

. See Allegory; Hermeneutics; Jesus Christ, Doctrine of; Literal Sense; Patristic Biblical Interpretation

Allegory

Allusion

. See Intertextuality; Relationship between the Testaments

Amos, Book of

Anagogical Sense

. See Medieval Biblical Interpretation

Analogy

Analogy of Faith

. See Protestant Biblical Interpretation; Rule of Faith; Scripture, Unity of

Analytic Philosophy

. See Philosophy

Ancient Near Eastern Background Studies

Angel of the Lord

. See Angels, Doctrine of

Angels, Doctrine of

Anthropomorphism

Anti-Judaism

. See Anti-Semitism

Antiochene Interpretation

. See Hermeneutics; Jesus Christ, Doctrine of; Literal Sense; Patristic Biblical Interpretation; Typology

Anti-Semitism

Apocalyptic

Apocrypha

Apologetics

Apology

. See Apologetics

Apostasy

Aquinas, St. Thomas

. See Thomas Aquinas

Archaeology

Argument

. See Utterance Meaning

Art, the Bible and

Ascension

Asian Biblical Interpretation

Assurance

Assyriology

. See Ancient Near Eastern Background Studies

Atlas

. See Geography

Atonement

Augustine

Authorial Discourse Interpretation

Authorial Intention

. See Authorial Discourse Interpretation; Intention/Intentional Fallacy

Authorship

. See Authorial Discourse Interpretation; Pseudepigrapha

Bakhtin, Mikhail

. See Dialogism

Baptism

Barr, James

. See Biblical Theology; Concept; Etymology

Barth, Karl

Being

. See Onto-Theology

Biblical Criticism

. See Historical Criticism

Biblical Theology

Biography

Body

. See Human Being, Doctrine of

Bonhoeffer, Dietrich

Bultmann, Rudolf

. See Hermeneutical Circle; Hermeneutics

Calling/Vocation

Calvin, John

Canon

Canonical Approach

Canon within a Canon

. See Canon; Scripture, Unity of

Catholic Biblical Interpretation

Charismatic Biblical Interpretation

Christian Interpretation of the OT

. See Anti-Semitism; Relationship between the Testaments; Rule of Faith; Scripture, Unity of

Christus Victor

. See Atonement; Powers and Principalities

Chronicles, Books of

Chronology and the NT

Chronology and the OT

Church, Doctrine of the

Colossians, Book of

Commentary

Community, Interpretative

Composition Criticism

. See Redaction Criticism

Concept

Context

Continental Philosophy

. See Philosophy

Continuity (between the Testaments)

. See Relationship between the Testaments

1 Corinthians, Book of

2 Corinthians, Book of

Covenant

Covenant Theology

. See Last Things, Doctrine of

Creation

Creed

Critical Realism

Cross-Cultural Interpretation

. See Culture and Hermeneutics

Cultural-Linguistic Theology

. See Culture and Hermeneutics; Language-Game; Narrative Theology; Yale School

Cultural Studies

. See Culture and Hermeneutics

Culture and Hermeneutics

Custom. See Ancient Near Eastern Background Studies

Daniel, Book of

Dead Sea Scrolls

Death

. See Creation; Last Things, Doctrine of; Original Sin; Sin, Doctrine of

Decalogue

. See Ethics; Law

Deconstruction

Demons

. See Angels, Doctrine of; Powers and Principalities

Demythologization

. See Hermeneutics; Theological Hermeneutics, Contemporary; Western Literature, the Bible and

Derrida, Jacques

. See Deconstruction; Postmodernity and Biblical Interpretation

Descartes, René

. See Epistemology

Determinate Meaning

. See Meaning; Theological Hermeneutics, Contemporary

Deuteronomistic History

. See Deuteronomy, Book of; History of Israel

Deuteronomy, Book of

Dialectic

. See Dialogism

Dialogism

Dictionaries and Encyclopedias

Différance

. See Deconstruction; Postmodernity and Biblical Interpretation

Discontinuity (between the Testaments)

. See Relationship between the Testaments

Dispensation(alism)

. See Daniel, Book of; Last Things, Doctrine of; Revelation, Book of; Salvation, History of

Diversity

. See Culture and Hermeneutics; Feminist Biblical Interpretation; Racism; Scripture, Unity of

Doctrine

Dogma

. See Creed; Doctrine; Rule of Faith; Systematic Theology; Tradition

Earth/Land

Ecclesiastes, Book of

Echo

. See Intertextuality; Relationship between the Testaments

Egyptology

. See Ancient Near Eastern Background Studies

Eisegesis

. See Exegesis

Election

. See Church, Doctrine of the; Covenant; Israel; Violence

Enlightenment

Ephesians, Book of

Epistemology

Essenes

. See Jewish Context of the NT

Esther, Book of

Ethics

Etymological Fallacy

. See Etymology

Etymology

Evangelical Biblical Interpretation

. See Charismatic Biblical Interpretation; Princeton School; Protestant Biblical Interpretation

Evil

. See Original Sin; Powers and Principalities; Sin, Doctrine of; Violence

Exegesis

Exile and Restoration

Exodus, Book of

Exodus/New Exodus

Explanation and Understanding

. See Hermeneutical Circle; Hermeneutics

Expository Preaching

. See Preaching, Use of the Bible in

Ezekiel, Book of

Ezra, Book of

Faith

Female

. See Male and Female

Feminist Biblical Interpretation

Figural Reading

. See Allegory; Literal Sense; Typology

Figure of Speech

. See Imagery; Metaphor; Poetry

Fish, Stanley

. See Community, Interpretative; Pragmatism

Folklore

. See Hero Story; Oral Tradition and the NT; Oral Tradition and the OT

Formalism

Form Criticism and the NT

Form Criticism and the OT

Foundationalism

. See Epistemology

Fourfold Sense

. See Literal Sense; Medieval Biblical Interpretation; Spiritual Sense

Fowl, Stephen

. See Theological Hermeneutics, Contemporary; Virtue

Frei, Hans

. See Narrative Theology; Yale School

Fulfillment

. See Prophecy and Prophets in the NT; Prophecy and Prophets in the OT; Relationship between the Testaments; Salvation, History of

Functionalism

. See Scripture, Authority of; Theological Hermeneutics, Contemporary; Yale School

Gabler, J. P.

. See Biblical Theology

Gadamer, Hans-Georg

. See Hermeneutical Circle; Hermeneutics; Ricoeur, Paul

Galatians, Book of

Genealogy

General Revelation

. See Creation; Ethics; Philosophy; Revelation; Science, the Bible and

Genesis, Book of

Genre

Geography

Gnosticism

God, Attributes of

. See God, Doctrine of

God, Doctrine of

God, Providence of

. See Providence

Gospel

Gospels

Government

. See Political Theology

Grace

Grammar

. See Language, Grammar and Syntax

Grammatology

. See Deconstruction

Gregory of Nyssa

. See Human Being, Doctrine of

Habakkuk, Book of

Haggai, Book of

Heaven

. See Last Things, Doctrine of

Hebrews, Book of

Heidegger, Martin

. See Hermeneutical Circle; Hermeneutics; Onto-Theology

Hell

. See Last Things, Doctrine of

Hellenism

. See Jewish Context of the NT; Roman Empire

Hermeneutical Circle

Hermeneutics

Hero Story

Hillel

. See Jewish Context of the NT

Hirsch, E. D., Jr.

. See Intention/Intentional Fallacy

Historical Criticism

Historical Theology

Historicism

. See History; Historical Criticism

Historiography

. See History

History

History of Effects

. See Historical Theology; Interpretation, History of; Tradition

History of Israel

History of Religions School

. See Religion

Hittitology

. See Ancient Near Eastern Background Studies

Holocaust

. See Anti-Semitism; Jewish-Christian Dialogue; Violence

Holy Spirit, Doctrine of the

Homiletics

. See Preaching, Use of the Bible in

Homosexuality

. See Sexuality

Hope

Hosea, Book of

Human Being, Doctrine of

Hymn

. See Music, the Bible and; Poetry; Psalms, Book of

Ideological Criticism

Ideology

. See Ideological Criticism

Illocutionary Act

. See Speech-Act Theory

Illumination

Image of God

Imagery

Imagination

Incarnation

Indeterminacy

. See Meaning

Infancy Narratives

Inner-Biblical Interpretation

. See Intertextuality

Intention/Intentional Fallacy

Interlocutionary Act

. See Speech-Act Theory

Interpretation, History of

Interpretation in the Church.

See Catholic Biblical Interpretation; Church, Doctrine of the; Liturgy; Mysticism, Christian; Orthodox Biblical Interpretation; Protestant Biblical Interpretation; Spirituality/Spiritual Formation; Theological Hermeneutics, Contemporary; Virtue

Intertestamental Period

. See Jewish Context of the NT

Intertextuality

Intratextuality

. See Narrative Theology; Yale School

Irenaeus

. See Patristic Biblical Interpretation; Rule of Faith; Scripture, Unity of

Irony

Isaiah, Book of

Israel

James, Book of

JEDP

. See History of Israel; Source Criticism

Jeremiah, Book of

Jesus, Quest for the Historical

Jesus and Scripture

Jesus Christ, Doctrine of

Jesus Christ, Return of

. See Hope; Kingdom of God; Last Things, Doctrine of

Jesus Christ, Titles of

. See Jesus Christ, Doctrine of

Jewish-Christian Dialogue

Jewish Context of the NT

Jewish Exegesis

Job, Book of

Joel, Book of

Johannine Epistles

John, Book of

Jonah, Book of

Josephus

. See Jewish Context of the NT

Joshua, Book of

Jude, Book of

Judges, Book of

Judgment

. See Last Things, Doctrine of; Prophetic Writings; Sin, Doctrine of; Violence

Justice

Justification

. See Epistemology; Warrant

Justification by Faith

Kant, Immanuel

. See Enlightenment; Epistemology

Kerygma

. See Gospel; Jesus, Quest for the Historical; Oral Tradition and the NT; Preaching, Use of the Bible in

Kingdom of God

Kings, Books of

Knowledge

. See Epistemology; Warrant; Wisdom

Lamentations, Book of

Language, Grammar and Syntax

Language, Linguistics

Language-Game

Last Things, Doctrine of

Latin American Biblical Interpretation

. See Liberation Theologies and Hermeneutics

Law

Lectio Divina

. See Liturgy; Medieval Biblical Interpretation

Lectionary

. See Liturgy

Leviticus, Book of

Lexicons, NT

Lexicons, OT

Liberal Biblical Interpretation

Liberation Theologies and Hermeneutics

Life

. See Holy Spirit, Doctrine of the; Human Being, Doctrine of

Lindbeck, George

. See Language-Game; Narrative Theology; Yale School

Literacy

. See Reading

Literal Sense

Literary Criticism

Liturgy

Locke, John

. See Enlightenment

Locutionary Act

. See Speech-Act Theory

Logic

Logion

. See Gospels; Jesus, Quest for the Historical

Logocentrism

. See Deconstruction; Postmodernity and Biblical Interpretation

Lord’s Supper

Love

Lubac, Henri de

. See Medieval Biblical Interpretation

Luke, Book of

Luther, Martin

LXX

. See Relationship between the Testaments; Translation

Magisterium

. See Catholic Biblical Interpretation

Malachi, Book of

Male

. See Male and Female

Male and Female

Manuscripts

. See Textual Criticism

Maps of the Biblical World

. See Geography

Marcionism

. See Gnosticism; Patristic Biblical Interpretation; Relationship between the Testaments; Scripture, Unity of

Mark, Book of

Marriage

. See Male and Female; Sexuality

Mary

Masoretic Text

. See Translation

Matthew, Book of

Meaning

Medieval Biblical Interpretation

Messiah/Messianism

Metanarrative

Metaphor

Metaphysics

. See Onto-Theology; Philosophy

Method

Micah, Book of

Midrash

. See Jewish Exegesis

Millennium

. See Kingdom of God; Last Things, Doctrine of

Miracle

Mission

. See Church, Doctrine of the; Culture and Hermeneutics; Trinity

Model

Moltmann, Jürgen

. See Hope; Last Things, Doctrine of

Monotheism

Moral Sense

. See Ethics; Ideological Criticism; Liberation Theologies and Hermeneutics; Medieval Biblical Interpretation

Mujerista Interpretation

. See Feminist Biblical Interpretation

Music, the Bible and

Mysticism, Christian

Nag Hammadi

Nahum, Book of

Narrative Criticism

Narrative Theology

Nature

. See Earth/Land; Grace; Worldview

Nehemiah, Book of

New Creation

New Criticism

. See Formalism; Literary Criticism

New Hermeneutic

. See Hermeneutics; Literary Criticism; Theological Hermeneutics, Contemporary

New Perspective on Paul

. See Justification by Faith; Pauline Epistles

Noncanonical Writings

. See Apocrypha; Canon; Pseudepigrapha

Numbers, Book of

Obadiah, Book of

Objectivity

Onto-Theology

Oracle

. See Prophecy and Prophets in the OT

Oral Tradition and the NT

Oral Tradition and the OT

Origen

. See Allegory; Hermeneutics; Mysticism, Christian; Patristic Biblical Interpretation; Spiritual Sense

Original Sin

Orthodox Biblical Interpretation

Palestinian Judaism

. See Jewish Context of the NT

Pannenberg, Wolfhart

. See Last Things, Doctrine of

Parables

Passion Narratives

Patriarchal Narratives

Patristic Biblical Interpretation

Pauline Epistles

Peace

. See Violence

Pentecostal Biblical Interpretation

. See Charismatic Biblical Interpretation

People of God

. See Church, Doctrine of the; Israel

Performance

. See Dialogism; Music, the Bible and; Theological Hermeneutics, Contemporary

Perlocutionary Act

. See Speech-Act Theory

Perseverance of the Saints

. See Apostasy; Assurance; Sanctification

Pesher

. See Jewish Exegesis

1 Peter, Book of

2 Peter, Book of

Pharisees

. See Jewish Context of the NT

Philemon, Book of

Philippians, Book of

Philo

. See Jewish Context of the NT

Philology

. See Etymology; Language, Linguistics; Lexicons, NT; Lexicons, OT

Philosophical Theology

. See Philosophy

Philosophy

Phronēsis

. See Imagination; Practical Theology; Theological Hermeneutics, Contemporary; Wisdom

Play

. See Deconstruction

Plot

. See Narrative Criticism

Poetry

Political Theology

Polyphony

. See Dialogism

Postcolonialism

. See Asian Biblical Interpretation; Culture and Hermeneutics; Ideological Criticism; Liberation Theologies and Hermeneutics; Political Theology

Postliberalism

. See Narrative Theology; Yale School

Postmodernity and Biblical Interpretation

Poststructuralism

Power

. See Ideological Criticism; Powers and Principalities; Racism; Violence

Powers and Principalities

Practical Theology

Practice

. See Practical Theology

Pragmatism

Praxis

. See Liberation Theologies and Hermeneutics; Practical Theology

Prayer

Preaching, Use of the Bible in

Presence

. See Deconstruction

Presupposition

. See Hermeneutical Circle; Hermeneutics; Objectivity

Priesthood/Priests

. See Jewish Context of the NT

Princeton School

Promise

. See Hope; Last Things, Doctrine of; Relationship between the Testaments; Speech-Act Theory

Proof Text

Prophecy and Prophets in the NT

Prophecy and Prophets in the OT

Prophetic Writings

Proposition

Protestant Biblical Interpretation

Proverbs, Book of

Providence

Psalms, Book of

Pseudepigrapha

Pseudonymity

. See Pseudepigrapha

Psychological Interpretation

Public Theology

. See Political Theology

Q

. See Gospels; Redaction Criticism; Source Criticism

Qumran

. See Dead Sea Scrolls; Jewish Context of the NT

Quotation

. See Intertextuality; Relationship between the Testaments

Racism

Radical Orthodoxy

. See Political Theology; Violence

Reader-Response Criticism

Reading

Realism

. See Critical Realism; Semiotics

Redaction Criticism

Reference

. See Critical Realism; Meaning

Relationship between the Testaments

Relevance Theory

. See Language, Linguistics; Translation

Religion

Resurrection Narratives

Resurrection of the Dead

Revelation

Revelation, Book of

Rhetoric

Rhetorical Criticism

Ricoeur, Paul

Roman Empire

Romans, Book of

Rorty, Richard

. See Epistemology; Hermeneutics; Postmodernity and Biblical Interpretation; Pragmatism

Rule of Faith

Ruth, Book of

Sacrament

Sadducees

. See Jewish Context of the NT

Salvation, Doctrine of

Salvation, History of

Samuel, Books of

Sanctification

Satan

. See Angels, Doctrine of; Powers and Principalities

Schleiermacher, Friedrich

. See Hermeneutical Circle; Hermeneutics; Practical Theology

Science, the Bible and

Scribes

. See Jewish Context of the NT

Scripture, Authority of

Scripture, Clarity of

Scripture, Inerrancy of

. See Scripture, Authority of; Truth

Scripture, Infallibility of

. See Scripture, Authority of; Truth

Scripture, Inspiration of

. See Scripture, Authority of

Scripture, Sufficiency of

Scripture, Unity of

Scripture Principle

. See Scripture, Authority of; Word of God

Semantics

. See Meaning; Semiotics

Semiotics

Sense

. See Literal Sense; Meaning; Ricoeur, Paul; Spiritual Sense

Sensus Plenior

. See Allegory; Meaning; Medieval Biblical Interpretation; Spiritual Sense; Typology

Sentence

. See Language, Grammar and Syntax; Language, Linguistics; Proposition; Utterance Meaning

Sermon on the Mount

Setting

. See Ancient Near Eastern Background Studies; Archaeology; Context; Culture and Hermeneutics

Sexuality

Significance

. See Meaning

Sin, Doctrine of

Slavery

Social-Scientific Criticism

Societies, Scholarly

Song of Songs

Soul

. See Human Being, Doctrine of

Source Criticism

Special Revelation

. See Revelation

Speech-Act Theory

Spirituality/Spiritual Formation

Spiritual Sense

State

. See Political Theology

Structuralism

Subjectivity

. See Objectivity

Symbol

. See Imagery; Metaphor; Semiotics

Synoptic Problem

. See Gospels; Source Criticism

Syntax

. See Language, Grammar and Syntax; Semiotics

Systematic Theology

Targum

Temple

Tertullian

. See Patristic Biblical Interpretation; Rule of Faith; Scripture, Unity of

Testimonia

. See Intertextuality

Text Linguistics

. See Language, Linguistics; Text/Textuality; Utterance Meaning

Text/Textuality

Textual Criticism

Theme

. See Language, Linguistics

Theological Hermeneutics, Contemporary

Theology

. See Doctrine; Systematic Theology

Theology, NT

. See Biblical Theology

Theology, OT

. See Biblical Theology

Theophany

. See Revelation

Theory

. See Practical Theology; Wisdom

1 Thessalonians, Book of

2 Thessalonians, Book of

Thiselton, Anthony

. See Hermeneutical Circle; Hermeneutics; Speech-Act Theory; Theological Hermeneutics, Contemporary

Thomas Aquinas

1 Timothy, Book of

2 Timothy, Book of

Titus, Book of

Topical Preaching

. See Preaching, Use of the Bible in

Totality Transfer, Illegitimate

. See Etymology

Tradition

Trajectory

. See Culture and Hermeneutics; Ideological Criticism; Slavery

Translation

Trinity

Trope

. See Imagery; Metaphor

Tropological Sense

. See Medieval Biblical Interpretation; Typology

Truth

Tübingen School

Two Horizons

. See Hermeneutical Circle; Hermeneutics

Typology

Ugarit and the Bible

. See Ancient Near Eastern Background Studies

Underdetermined Meaning

. See Meaning; Theological Hermeneutics, Contemporary

Understanding

. See Hermeneutical Circle; Hermeneutics; Theological Hermeneutics, Contemporary

Unity

. See Church, Doctrine of the; Culture and Hermeneutics; Dialogism; Scripture, Unity of

Use of the OT in the NT

. See Intertextuality; Jewish Exegesis; Relationship between the Testaments; Scripture, Unity of; Typology

Utterance Meaning

Validity

. See Exegesis; Hermeneutics; Logic; Meaning; Proof Text

Vanhoozer, Kevin

. See Speech-Act Theory; Theological Hermeneutics, Contemporary

Violence

Virgin Birth

. See Infancy Narratives

Virtue

Virtue Epistemology

. See Epistemology; Theological Hermeneutics, Contemporary; Virtue; Wisdom

Vulgate

. See Medieval Biblical Interpretation; Translation

War

. See Violence

Warrant

Watson, Francis

. See Theological Hermeneutics, Contemporary

Western Literature, the Bible and

Wisdom

Wisdom Literature

Wittgenstein, Ludwig

. See Language-Game

Wolterstorff, Nicholas

. See Authorial Discourse Interpretation; Speech-Act Theory; Theological Hermeneutics, Contemporary

Womanist Interpretation

. See Feminist Biblical Interpretation; Ideological Criticism

Word of God

Word Study

. See Concept; Etymology; Language, Linguistics; Utterance Meaning

Worldview

Worship

Writing

. See Deconstruction; Postmodernity and Biblical Interpretation

Yale School

Zealots

. See Jewish Context of the NT

Zechariah, Book of

Zephaniah, Book of

CONTRIBUTORS

Anderson, Ray S. Ph.D., University of Edinburgh. Professor of Theology and Ministry, Fuller Theological Seminary. Practical Theology

Bacote, Vincent E. Ph.D., Drew University. Assistant Professor of Theology, Wheaton College. Justice

Badcock, Gary D. Ph.D., University of Edinburgh. Associate Professor of Theology, Huron University College. Calling/Vocation; Holy Spirit, Doctrine of the

Baker, William R. Ph.D., University of Aberdeen. Professor of New Testament, Cincinnati Bible Seminary. James, Book of

Bartholomew, Craig G. Ph.D., University of Bristol. Director of the Kirby Laing Centre for Public Theology. Biblical Theology; Deconstruction; Ecclesiastes, Book of; Postmodernity and Biblical Interpretation

Barton, Stephen C. Ph.D., King’s College London. Reader in New Testament, University of Durham. Social-Scientific Criticism

Beck, John A. Ph.D., Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Associate Professor of Hebrew, Concordia University Wisconsin. Geography

Begbie, Jeremy. Ph.D., University of Aberdeen. Vice Principal, Ridley Hall, University of Cambridge. Music, the Bible and; Worship

Benson, Bruce Ellis. Ph.D., Katholieke Universiteit Leuven. Associate Professor of Philosophy, Wheaton College. Poststructuralism; Structuralism

Bimson, John J. Ph.D., University of Sheffield. Tutor in Old Testament, Trinity College, Bristol. Chronology and the OT; Ezra, Book of; Nehemiah, Book of

Blocher, Henri A. G. Diplôme d’Etudes Supérieures de Théologie, Faculté Libre de Théologie Protestante of Paris. Professor of Systematic Theology, Faculté Libre de Théologie Evangélique. Atonement; Original Sin

Block, Daniel I. D.Phil., University of Liverpool. Professor of Old Testament, Wheaton College. Deuteronomy, Book of

Bock, Darrell L. Ph.D., University of Aberdeen. Research Professor of New Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary. Messiah/Messianism; Miracle

Boersma, Hans. Th.D., State University of Utrecht. James I. Packer Professor of Theology, Regent College. Violence

Bowald, Mark A. Ph.D., University of Toronto. Assistant Professor of Religion and Theology, Redeemer University College. Grace; Objectivity

Brady, Christian M. M. D.Phil., University of Oxford. Assistant Professor and Director of Jewish Studies, Tulane University. Lamentations, Book of; Targum

Bray, Gerald. D.Litt., University of Paris-Sorbonne. Anglican Professor of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School. Allegory; Medieval Biblical Interpretation

Briggs, Richard S. Ph.D., University of Nottingham. Tutor in New Testament and Hermeneutics, University of Durham. Speech-Act Theory

Brown, Jeannine K. Ph.D., Luther Seminary. Assistant Professor of New Testament, Bethel Seminary. Chronology and the NT

Bryan, Christopher. Ph.D., University of Exeter. C. K. Benedict Professor of New Testament, University of the South School of Theology. Passion Narratives; Romans, Book of; Sermon on the Mount

Burnett, Richard E. Ph.D., Princeton Theological Seminary. Associate Professor of Systematic Theology, Erskine Theological Seminary. Historical Criticism

Burridge, Richard A. Ph.D., University of Nottingham. Dean of King’s College and Honorary Lecturer in New Testament Studies, King’s College London. Biography

Buth, Randall. Ph.D., University of California Los Angeles. Director, Biblical Language Center, Hebrew University and Biblical Language Center. Language, Linguistics

Chaplin, Jonathan. Ph.D., University of London. Associate Professor of Political Theory, Institute for Christian Studies. Political Theology

Charry, Ellen T. Ph.D., Temple University. Margaret W. Harmon Associate Professor of Systematic Theology, Princeton Theological Seminary. Earth/Land; Human Being, Doctrine of; Incarnation

Chilton, Bruce. Ph.D., University of Cambridge. Bernard Iddings Bell Professor of Religion, Bard College. Temple

Cole, Graham A. Th.D., Australian School of Theology. Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. God, Doctrine of; Lord’s Supper; Sanctification

Cook, John A. Ph.D., University of Wisconsin. Lecturer, University of Wisconsin. Lexicons, OT

Cummins, S. A. D.Phil., University of Oxford. Associate Professor of Religious Studies, Trinity Western University. John, Book of; Oral Tradition and the NT

Davids, Peter H. Ph.D., University of Manchester. Scholar-in-Residence, Vineyard Church, Stafford, TX. Jude, Book of; 2 Peter, Book of

Dawn, Marva J. Ph.D., University of Notre Dame. Theologian, Christians Equipped for Ministry. Powers and Principalities

de Gruchy, John W. Ph.D., University of South Africa. Robert Selby Taylor Professor of Christian Studies, University of Cape Town. Bonhoeffer, Dietrich

deSilva, David A. Ph.D., Emory University. Professor of New Testament and Greek, Ashland Theological Seminary. Apocrypha

Enns, Peter. Ph.D., Harvard University. Associate Professor of Old Testament, Westminster Theological Seminary. Exodus/New Exodus; Pseudepigrapha

Escobar, Samuel. Ph.D., Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Thornley B. Wood Professor of Missiology, Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Liberation Theologies and Hermeneutics

Evans, Craig A. Ph.D., Claremont Graduate University. Payzant Distinguished Professor of New Testament, Acadia Divinity College. Jewish Exegesis

Evans, Mary J. M.Phil., CNAA. Vice Principal, London School of Theology. Hosea, Book of

Farrow, Douglas. Ph.D., King’s College London. Associate Professor of Christian Thought, McGill University. Ascension; Church, Doctrine of the

Felch, Susan M. Ph.D., Catholic University of America. Professor of English, Calvin College. Dialogism

Fowl, Stephen E. Ph.D., University of Sheffield. Professor of Theology, Loyola College in Maryland. Virtue

Frame, John M. D.D., Belhaven College. Professor of Systematic Theology and Philosophy, Reformed Theological Seminary. Apologetics; Logic

France, R. T. Ph.D., University of Bristol. Principal of Wycliffe Hall (Retired), University of Oxford. Kingdom of God; Relationship between the Testaments

Gagnon, Robert A. J. Ph.D., Princeton Theological Seminary. Associate Professor of New Testament, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Sexuality

Garland, David E. Ph.D., Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Professor of New Testament, Truett Theological Seminary. 1 Corinthians, Book of

Gow, Murray D. Th.D., Australian College of Theology. Minister, St. Paul’s Cooperating Parish, Kamo, New Zealand. Ruth, Book of

Gracia, Jorge J. E. Ph.D., University of Toronto. Samuel P. Capen Chair of Philosophy and State University of New York Distinguished Professor, State University of New York at Buffalo. Meaning

Green, Joel B. Ph.D., University of Aberdeen. Dean of Academic Affairs and Professor of New Testament Interpretation, Asbury Theological Seminary. Commentary; Context; Dictionaries and Encyclopedias; Narrative Theology

Greene-McCreight, Kathryn. Ph.D., Yale University. St. John’s Episcopal Church, New Haven, CT. Interpretation, History of; Literal Sense; Mary; Rule of Faith

Grenz, Stanley J. D.Theol., University of Munich. Late Pioneer McDonald Professor of Theology, Carey Theological College. Community, Interpretative

Griffiths, Paul J. Ph.D., University of Wisconsin. Arthur J. Schmitt Professor of Catholic Studies, University of Illinois at Chicago. Reading; Religion

Groves, J. Alan. Ph.D. candidate, Free University of Amsterdam. Professor of Old Testament, Westminster Theological Seminary. Judges, Book of

Gundry, Robert H. Ph.D., Manchester University. Scholar-in-Residence and Professor Emeritus, Westmont College. Jesus, Quest for the Historical; Matthew, Book of

Gundry-Volf, Judith. Th.D., University of Tübingen. Adjunct Associate Professor of New Testament and Research Scholar, Yale University. Pauline Epistles

Harlow, Daniel C. Ph.D., University of Notre Dame. Associate Professor of New Testament, Early Judaism, and Early Christianity, Calvin College. Dead Sea Scrolls; Jewish Context of the NT

Harrison, Carol. Ph.D., University of Oxford. Professor of Historical Theology, University of Durham. Augustine

Hart, Trevor A. Ph.D., University of Aberdeen. Professor of Divinity and Dean of the Faculty of Divinity, University of St. Andrews. Imagination

Hess, Richard S. Ph.D., Hebrew Union College. Professor of Old Testament, Denver Seminary. History of Israel; Kings, Books of; Oral Tradition and the OT

Hill, Andrew E. Ph.D., University of Michigan. Professor of Old Testament Studies, Wheaton College. Genealogy

Hill, Daniel. Ph.D., Kings College London. Lecturer in Philosophy, University of Liverpool. Philosophy; Proposition; Warrant

Holmes, Stephen R. Ph.D., University of London. Lecturer in Theology, University of St. Andrews. Creed; Image of God; Salvation, Doctrine of

Horton, Michael S. Ph.D., University of Coventry; University of Oxford. Professor of Theology and Apologetics, Westminster Theological Seminary in California. Historical Theology; Sacrament

House, Paul R. Ph.D., Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Associate Dean and Professor of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School. Haggai, Book of; Obadiah, Book of

Humphrey, Edith M. Ph.D., McGill University. Associate Professor of New Testament Studies, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. 2 Corinthians, Book of; Infancy Narratives; Jesus and Scripture; New Creation

Hurtado, Larry W. Ph.D., Case Western Reserve University. Professor of New Testament Language, Literature, and Theology, University of Edinburgh. Monotheism

Jacobs, Alan. Ph.D., University of Virginia. Professor of English, Wheaton College. Love

Jacobs, Mignon R. Ph.D., Claremont Graduate University. Associate Professor of Old Testament, Fuller Theological Seminary. Malachi, Book of; Micah, Book of

Jeanrond, Werner. Ph.D., University of Chicago. Professor of Systematic Theology, Lund University. Text/Textuality

Jeffrey, David Lyle. Ph.D., Princeton Theological Seminary. Distinguished Professor of Literature and Humanities, Baylor University. Western Literature, the Bible and

Keesmaat, Sylvia C. D.Phil., University of Oxford. Associate Professor of Biblical Studies and Hermeneutics, Institute for Christian Studies. Colossians, Book of

Kelly, Brian E. Ph.D., University of Bristol. Dean of Chapel, Canterbury Christ Church University College. Samuel, Books of

Kille, D. Andrew. Ph.D., Graduate Theological Union. Consultant. Psychological Interpretation

Knapp, Henry M. Ph.D., Calvin Theological Seminary. Associate Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Beaver, PA. Protestant Biblical Interpretation

Koptak, Paul E. Ph.D., Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary; Northwestern University. Paul and Bernice Brandel Professor of Communication and Biblical Interpretation, North Park Theological Seminary. Intertextuality

Laansma, Jon C. Ph.D., University of Aberdeen. Associate Professor of Ancient Languages and New Testament, Wheaton College. Hebrews, Book of

Lane, Anthony N. S. B.D., University of Oxford. Professor of Historical Theology and Director of Research, London School of Theology. Justification by Faith; Tradition

Lauber, David. Ph.D., Princeton Theological Seminary. Assistant Professor of Theology, Wheaton College. Yale School

Lee, Moonjang. Ph.D., University of Edinburgh. Professor of Theology and Missions, Trinity Theological College, Singapore. Asian Biblical Interpretation

LeMarquand, Grant. Th.D., University of Toronto. Associate Professor of Biblical Studies and Mission, Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry. African Biblical Interpretation

Longman, Tremper, III. Ph.D., Yale University. Robert H. Gundry Professor of Biblical Studies, Westmont College. Song of Songs

Lucas, Ernest C. Ph.D., University of Kent; Ph.D., University of Liverpool. Vice Principal and Tutor in Biblical Studies, Bristol Baptist College. Daniel, Book of

MacDonald, Neil B. Ph.D., University of Edinburgh. Senior Lecturer in Theology, University of Surrey Roehampton. Language-Game

Magallanes, Hugo. Ph.D., Drew University. Associate Dean and Associate Professor of Church in Society, Asbury Theological Seminary. Racism

Marshall, I. Howard. Ph.D., University of Aberdeen. Honorary Research Professor of New Testament, University of Aberdeen. Johannine Epistles; 1 Timothy, Book of; 2 Timothy, Book of; Titus, Book of

Martin, Francis. S.S.D., Pontifical Biblical Institute. Chair for Catholic-Jewish Theological Studies, Pope John Paul II Cultural Center. Spiritual Sense

Mattox, Mickey L. Ph.D., Duke University. Assistant Professor of Theology, Marquette University. Luther, Martin

McCann, J. Clinton, Jr. Ph.D., Duke University. Evangelical Professor of Biblical Interpretation, Eden Theological Seminary. Psalms, Book of

McConville, J. G. Ph.D., Queen’s University, Belfast. Professor of Old Testament Studies, University of Gloucestershire. Jeremiah, Book of; Joshua, Book of; Prophetic Writings

McGrath, Alister E. D.Phil., University of Oxford. Professor of Historical Theology, University of Oxford. Doctrine

McIntosh, Mark A. Ph.D., University of Chicago. Associate Professor of Theology, Loyola University Chicago. Mysticism, Christian

McKnight, Scot. Ph.D., University of Nottingham. Karl A. Olsson Professor in Religious Studies, North Park University. Apostasy; Covenant; Israel

Millard, Alan R. M.Phil., University of London. Emeritus Professor of Hebrew and Ancient Semitic Languages, University of Liverpool. Archaeology

Moberly, R. W. L. Ph.D., University of Cambridge. Reader in Old Testament, Department of Theology, University of Durham. Exodus, Book of; Jewish-Christian Dialogue; Patriarchal Narratives

Möller, Karl. Ph.D., University of Gloucestershire. Lecturer in Theology and Religious Studies, St. Martin’s College. Amos, Book of; Prophecy and Prophets in the OT; Rhetoric; Rhetorical Criticism

Moritz, Thorsten. Ph.D., London University. Professor of New Testament, Bethel Seminary. Critical Realism; Mark, Book of

Motyer, Stephen. Ph.D., King’s College London. Lecturer in New Testament and Hermeneutics, London School of Theology. Anti-Semitism

Murphy, Francesca Aran. Ph.D., King’s College London. Reader in Systematic Theology, University of Aberdeen. Revelation, Book of

Murphy, Nancey. Ph.D., University of California Berkeley; Th.D., Graduate Theological Union. Professor of Christian Philosophy, Fuller Theological Seminary. Epistemology

Noll, Mark A. Ph.D., Vanderbilt University. McManis Professor of Christian Thought, Wheaton College. History

Noll, Stephen F. Ph.D., University of Manchester. Vice Chancellor, Uganda Christian University. Angels, Doctrine of

Nolland, John. Ph.D., University of Cambridge. Academic Dean and Director of Postgraduate Studies, Trinity College Bristol. Form Criticism and the NT

Nordling, Cherith Fee. Ph.D., University of St. Andrews. Director of Spiritual Leadership Development, Calvin College. Feminist Biblical Interpretation

O’Connor, Robert. Ph.D., University of Notre Dame. Associate Professor of Philosophy, Wheaton College. Pragmatism; Science, the Bible and

Osborne, Grant R. Ph.D., University of Aberdeen. Professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Genre; Redaction Criticism

Pao, David W. Ph.D., Harvard University. Assistant Professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Prophecy and Prophets in the NT

Parry, Robin. Ph.D., University of Gloucestershire. Commissioning Editor, Paternoster Press. Ideological Criticism; Narrative Criticism; Reader-Response Criticism

Paul, Ian. Ph.D., Nottingham Trent University; St. John’s College. Director of Partnership Development, St. John’s College Nottingham. Metaphor

Perrin, Nicholas. Ph.D., Marquette University. Assistant Professor of New Testament, Wheaton College. Gnosticism; Gospels; Nag Hammadi

Peterson, Eugene H. M.A., Johns Hopkins University. Professor Emeritus of Spiritual Theology, Regent College. Prayer; Spirituality/Spiritual Formation

Rae, Murray A. Ph.D., King’s College London. Senior Lecturer, University of Otago. Anthropomorphism

Redditt, Paul L. Ph.D., Vanderbilt University. Professor of Old Testament, Georgetown College. Esther, Book of; Leviticus, Book of; Source Criticism

Reese, Ruth Anne. Ph.D., University of Sheffield. Assistant Professor of New Testament, Asbury Theological Seminary. Male and Female

Reno, R. R. Ph.D., Yale University. Associate Professor of Theology, Creighton University. Sin, Doctrine of

Renz, Thomas. Ph.D., University of Bristol. Lecturer in Old Testament, Oak Hill College. Ezekiel, Book of; Habakkuk, Book of; Nahum, Book of; Zephaniah, Book of

Richards, Kent Harold. Ph.D., Claremont Graduate University. Executive Director and Professor of Old Testament, Society of Biblical Literature. Societies, Scholarly

Riches, John K. M.A., University of Cambridge. Hon. Research Professor, Department of Theology and Religious Studies, University of Glasgow. Galatians, Book of

Riddell, Peter G. Ph.D., Australian National University. Professor of Islamic Studies and Director of the Centre for Islamic Studies and Muslim-Christian Relations, London School of Theology. Language, Grammar and Syntax; Semiotics

Rodgers, Peter R. B.Litt., University of Oxford. Adjunct Professor, Fuller Theological Seminary. Lexicons, NT; 1 Peter, Book of; Textual Criticism

Rogerson, John W. D.D. Emeritus Professor of Biblical Studies, University of Sheffield. Liberal Biblical Interpretation

Rosner, Brian S. Ph.D., University of Cambridge. Senior Lecturer in Biblical Studies and Ethics, Moore Theological College; Macquarie University. Salvation, History of

Rota, Michael W. Ph.D. candidate, Saint Louis University. Thomas Aquinas

Rowland, Christopher. Ph.D., University of Cambridge. Dean Ireland Professor of the Exegesis of Holy Scripture, University of Oxford. Apocalyptic

Ryken, Leland. Ph.D., University of Oregon. Professor of English, Wheaton College. Literary Criticism

Schreiner, Thomas R. Ph.D., Fuller Theological Seminary. Professor of New Testament, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Assurance

Schultz, Richard L. Ph.D., Yale University. Armerding Chair of Biblical Studies, Wheaton College. Form Criticism and the OT; Isaiah, Book of

Scott, James M. Th.D., University of Tübingen. Professor of Religious Studies, Trinity Western University. Exile and Restoration

Seerveld, Calvin. Ph.D., Free University of Amsterdam. Professor Emeritus of Aesthetics, Institute for Christian Studies. Art, the Bible and

Seitz, Christopher. Ph.D., Yale University. Professor of Old Testament and Theological Studies and Dean of the Faculty of Divinity, University of St. Andrews. Canonical Approach

Snodgrass, Klyne. Ph.D., University of St. Andrews. Paul W. Brandel Professor of New Testament Studies, North Park Theological Seminary. Exegesis

Sparks, Kent L. Ph.D., University of North Carolina. Associate Professor of Biblical Studies, Eastern University. Numbers, Book of

Spencer, Stephen R. Ph.D., Michigan State University. Blanchard Professor of Theology, Wheaton College. Hope; Last Things, Doctrine of

Spinks, Bryan D. D.D., University of Durham. Professor of Liturgical Studies, Yale University. Liturgy

Stiver, Dan R. Ph.D., Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Professor of Theology, Hardin-Simmons University. Method

Streett, Daniel R. Ph.D. candidate, Yale University. Adjunct Professor of New Testament, Criswell College. Philemon, Book of

Stylianopoulos, Theodore G. Th.D., Harvard University. Professor of New Testament, Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. Orthodox Biblical Interpretation

Sundberg, Walter. Ph.D., Princeton Theological Seminary. Professor of Church History, Luther Seminary. Enlightenment; Princeton School

Sung, Elizabeth Yao-Hwa. Ph.D. candidate, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Culture and Hermeneutics

Tennison, D. Allen. Ph.D. candidate, Fuller Theological Seminary. Adjunct Professor, Azusa Pacific University. Charismatic Biblical Interpretation

Thiselton, Anthony C. Ph.D., University of Sheffield. Professor Emeritus of Christian Theology, University of Nottingham. Hermeneutical Circle; Hermeneutics

Thompson, John L. Ph.D., Duke University. Professor of Historical Theology, Fuller Theological Seminary. Calvin, John

Throntveit, Mark A. Ph.D., Union Theological Seminary Virginia. Professor of Old Testament, Luther Seminary. Chronicles, Books of

Torrance, Alan J. Dr. Theol., University of Erlangen-Nuremberg. Chair of Systematic Theology, University of St. Andrews. Analogy

Travers, Michael E. Ph.D., Michigan State University. Professor of English, Southeastern College at Wake Forest. Formalism; Poetry

Treier, Daniel J. Ph.D., Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Knoedler Professor of Theology at Wheaton College Graduate School. Concept; Creation; Faith; Jesus Christ, Doctrine of; Model; Philosophy; Proof Text; Scripture, Unity of; Theological Hermeneutics, Contemporary; Typology; Wisdom

Trueman, Carl R. Ph.D., University of Aberdeen. Associate Professor of Church History and Historical Theology, Westminster Theological Seminary. Illumination

Turner, Max. Ph.D., University of Cambridge. Professor of New Testament Studies, London School of Theology. Ephesians, Book of; Utterance Meaning

Urban, David V. Ph.D., University of Illinois at Chicago. Assistant Professor of English, Calvin College. Hero Story; Imagery; Irony

VanGemeren, Willem. Ph.D., University of Wisconsin. Professor of Old Testament and Semitic Studies, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Joel, Book of

Vanhoozer, Kevin J. Ph.D., University of Cambridge. Research Professor of Systematic Theology, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Intention/Intentional Fallacy; Providence; Ricoeur, Paul; Systematic Theology; Truth; Word of God

Van Leeuwen, Raymond C. Ph.D., University of Toronto. Professor of Biblical Studies, Eastern University. Proverbs, Book of; Translation; Wisdom Literature

Verhey, Allen. Ph.D., Yale University. Professor of Christian Ethics, Duke University. Ethics

Wainwright, Geoffrey. D.D., University of Cambridge. Cushman Professor of Christian Theology, Duke University. Trinity

Walton, John H. Ph.D., Hebrew Union College; Jewish Institute of Religion. Professor of Old Testament, Wheaton College. Ancient Near Eastern Background Studies; Etymology; Jonah, Book of

Walton, Steve. Ph.D., University of Sheffield. Senior Lecturer in Greek and New Testament, London School of Theology. Acts, Book of

Wanamaker, Charles A. Ph.D., University of Durham. Associate Professor, University of Cape Town. 1 Thessalonians, Book of; 2 Thessalonians, Book of

Ward, Timothy. Ph.D., University of Edinburgh. Vicar, Holy Trinity Church, Hinckley, Leicester, UK. Scripture, Sufficiency of

Webb, William J. Ph.D., Dallas Theological Seminary. Professor of New Testament, Heritage Seminary. Slavery

Webster, John. Ph.D., University of Cambridge. Professor of Systematic Theology, University of Aberdeen. Barth, Karl; Canon; Gospel; Scripture, Authority of

Wenham, Gordon J. Ph.D., King’s College London. Professor of Old Testament, University of Gloucestershire. Genesis, Book of; Law

Westphal, Merold. Ph.D., Yale University. Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, Fordham University. Onto-Theology

Williams, Stephen N. Ph.D., Yale University. Professor of Systematic Theology, Union Theological College. Revelation

Williamson, Peter S. S.T.D., Pontifical Gregorian University. Assistant Dean, Sacred Heart Major Seminary. Catholic Biblical Interpretation

Wilson, Lindsay. Ph.D., Ridley College, Melbourne. Vice Principal and Lecturer in Old Testament, Ridley College, Melbourne. Job, Book of

Wolters, Albert. Ph.D., Free University of Amsterdam. Professor of Religion, Theology, and Classical Languages, Redeemer University College. Metanarrative; Worldview; Zechariah, Book of

Wolterstorff, Nicholas P. Ph.D., Harvard University. Noah Porter Professor Emeritus of Philosophical Theology, Yale University. Authorial Discourse Interpretation

Wood, Susan K. Ph.D., Marquette University. Professor of Theology and Associate Dean, St. John’s University. Baptism

Wright, N. T. D.Phil., D.D., University of Oxford. Research Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity at St. Andrews, Senior Research Fellow at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, and former Bishop of Durham. Philippians, Book of; Resurrection Narratives; Resurrection of the Dead; Roman Empire

Wright, Stephen I. Ph.D., University of Durham. Director, College of Preachers, Spurgeon’s College. Luke, Book of; Parables; Preaching, Use of the Bible in

Yarbrough, Robert W. Ph.D., University of Aberdeen. Associate Professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Tübingen School

Yocum, John. D.Phil., University of Oxford. Fellow in Christian Doctrine, University of Oxford. Scripture, Clarity of

Young, Frances M. Ph.D., University of Cambridge. Edward Cadbury Professor of Theology, University of Birmingham. Patristic Biblical Interpretation

ABBREVIATIONS

INTRODUCTION

What Is Theological Interpretation of the Bible?

Kevin J. Vanhoozer, General Editor

Of the making of dictionaries there would seem to be no end. What, then, could possibly justify adding one more item to an already well-stocked inventory? Neither the editors nor the contributors are under the illusion that a new reference work will change the world. Nevertheless, we believe that the time is ripe for a resource that combines an interest in the academic study of the Bible with a passionate commitment to making this scholarship of use to the church. DTIB aims to provide clarification, analysis, and evaluation of the various approaches to biblical interpretation currently in the marketplace, with a view to assessing their theological significance—in particular, their value for reading Scripture in and for the community of the faithful.

What Theological Interpretation Is Not

Initially, it is easier to say what theological interpretation of the Bible is not rather than what it is.

Theological interpretation of the Bible is not an imposition of a theological system or confessional grid onto the biblical text. By theological interpretation, we do not intend to urge readers to return to a time when one’s interpretation was largely dominated by one’s particular confessional theology (e.g., Lutheran, Reformed, Roman Catholic, et al.). While it may be true that exegesis without theological presuppositions is not possible, it is not part of the dictionary’s remit to take sides with a specific confessional or denominational tradition. (On the other hand, we do affirm the ecumenical consensus of the church down through the ages and across confessional lines that the Bible should be read as a unity and as narrative testimony to the identities and actions of God and of Jesus Christ.)

Theological interpretation is not simply what dogmatic theologians do when they use the Bible to support their respective doctrinal positions. Although so-called precritical interpretations took biblical authority seriously and sought to read for the church’s edification, they may be vulnerable at three points: They may fail to take the text seriously in its historical context. They may fail to integrate the text into the theology of the OT or NT as a whole. They may be insufficiently critical or aware of their own presuppositions and standpoints (Wright).

Theological interpretation of the Bible is not an imposition of a general hermeneutic or theory of interpretation onto the biblical text. Theological interpretation is also not simply a matter of imposing a general hermeneutic on the Bible as if the Bible could be read like any other book. There are properly theological questions, such as the relationship of the OT and NT, that require more than what is typically offered in a general hermeneutic (Watson). Stated more strongly, there are some interpretative questions that require theological, not hermeneutical, answers: The turn to hermeneutics as a general discipline . . . has not so much offered a resolution of older theological questions, historically considered, as it has changed the subject (Seitz 42). There is something left for interpreters to do after reading the Bible like any other book. At the same time, we believe that certain biblical and theological themes have implications not only for biblical interpretation, but for general hermeneutics as well.

Theological interpretation of the Bible is not a form of merely historical, literary, or sociological criticism preoccupied with (respectively) the world behind, of, or in front of the biblical text. Those who seek to renew biblical interpretation will incorporate whatever is true, noble, right, admirable, and useful in the various historical, literary, and sociological approaches used to describe the world behind the text (e.g., in the past), the world of the text (e.g., its plot and literary form), or the world in front of the text (e.g., the way in which readers receive and react to it). Theological interpretation may not be reduced to historical or to literary or to sociopolitical criticism, but it is not less than these either. For God has been active in history, in the composition of the biblical text, and in the formation of a people to reveal and redeem. Yet each of these disciplines, though ancillary to the project of interpreting the church’s Scripture, stops short of a properly theological criticism to the extent that it brackets out a consideration of divine action.

Why Theological Interpretation of the Bible?

DTIB responds to two crises precipitated by Enlightenment and post-Enlightenment developments in biblical interpretation respectively: to the modern schism between biblical studies and theology, and to the postmodern proliferation of advocacy approaches to reading Scripture where each interpretative community does what is right in its own eyes. The primary purpose of this dictionary is to provide biblical interpreters with a tool that would help make sense of the diverse interpretative approaches and evaluate these approaches as to their contribution toward a theological interpretation of the Bible. Our hope is that this work will provide an important new resource for recovering biblical studies as a properly theological discipline.

The ugly ditch in modern biblical interpretation: between exegesis and theology. The critical approach to biblical interpretation that has come to dominate the modern study of the Bible, especially in the university but also in seminaries, was developed in order to protect the Bible from what was thought to be its dogmatic captivity to confessional and theological traditions. For some two hundred years now, Christian faith has not been thought to be either necessary or relevant in the attempt to discover what it meant. Theology thus came to be of only marginal importance for biblical studies as practiced in university and divinity school settings. Indeed, modern biblical studies has become a virtual theology-free zone. Even scholars who identify themselves as Christians have to check their theological convictions at the door when they enter the academy (Fowl xii–xxx).

The divide separating biblical studies and theology was nothing less than Lessing’s famous ugly ditch: the gap between reason and faith, between publicly ascertainable history on the one hand and privately valued belief on the other. The goal of biblical studies for the typical modern scholar was to understand the texts by restoring them to their original historical contexts and by reading them on their own terms, namely, as (human) products of particular times and places, cultures and societies. In this interpretative framework, the Bible tended to be studied as evidence of a historically developing religion, as evidence of how ancient Israelites—and later, Jesus and his followers—tended to think about God, the world, and themselves. To study religion, however, is to study human beings and human history—in contrast to theology as the study of God and the mighty acts of God.

The problem was not so much with modern biblical scholarship’s interest in reconstructing historical contexts and the history of the text’s composition. The bigger problem was its tendency to treat the biblical texts as sources for reconstructing human history and religion rather than as texts that testify to God’s presence and action in history. To treat the Bible as a source—as evidence for some natural phenomenon behind it—is to deflect attention away from what the texts are saying (as testimony) in favor of a hypothetical reconstruction of what actually happened. History here trumps exegesis.

Interpreted theologically, the ugly ditch may be nothing less than the perceived gap between nature and grace. Reason, together with its many critical children—source, form, tradition, redaction criticism, and so on—is qualified to interpret the Bible as a historical and human text. But to read the Bible as the word of God is to make a leap into the realm of grace that either opposes, crowns, or outflanks reason (Wolters).

The muddy ditch in postmodern biblical interpretation: between exegesis