Synopses & Reviews
Why do even the sincerest students of God's Word sometimes find it dry or confusing? Too often, Robertson McQuilkin suggest, it's because they don't know how to read it.
In his classic introduction to Bible study, McQuilkin shows everyday believers how to navigate the Bible's genres and plumb its thought structures with accuracy, experiencing afresh living encounters with the inspired Word.
Newly revised and updated, Understanding and Applying the Bible also examines the most common errors in Bible reading. In the end, McQuilkin maintains Scripture can be understood by anyone, simply by following a set of straightforward and time-tested principles.
Synopsis
A solid introduction to the ins and outs of biblical hermeneutics, without the intimidation that often accompanies this subject. With the help of this revised edition, pastors, students and laypersons need no prior knowledge of biblical exegesis to create their own Bible commentaries.
About the Author
ROBERTSON McQUILKIN served as the third president of Columbia International University from 1968 to 1990 and currently serves as the president emeritus. He resigned from the presidency to care for his wife, Muriel, who had reached the stage of Alzheimer's disease in which she needed full-time care. Prior to coming president of CIU, McQuilkin served as headmaster of Ben Lippen School, then for 12 years as a missionary in Japan. McQuilkin's writings have appeared in numerous journals and periodicals. Among the books he has published are Understanding and Applying the Bible, Five Smooth Stones, Life in the Spirit, A Promise Kept, An Introduction to Biblical Ethics, and The Great Omission. In 2003 McQuilkin married Deborah Jones Sink. Between them, Robertson and Deborah have nine children.
Table of Contents
Principles and Guidelines for Understanding and Applying the Bible
Preface
Introduction
Part I: Presuppositions and Principles
1. Presupposition of Biblical Interpretation
2. Supernaturalistic Approaches of Premoderns
3. The Naturalistic Approaches of Moderns
4. The Naturalist Approaches of Postmoderns
5. Dogmatic Approaches
Part II: Guidelines and Skills
Human Authorship: Application
7. Understanding Human Language
8. Historical, Physical, and Cultural Setting
9. A Method for Word Study
10. Analyzing Thought Structure
11. Examining the Context
12. Figurative Language
13. Parables
14. Hebrew Poetry
Divine Authorship: Interpretation
15. Unity of Scripture
16. Coherence of Truth
17. Approach to Alleged Discrepancies
18. Biblical Prophecy
Divine Authorship: Application
Introduction
19. Identifying the Audience God Intended
20. Identifying the Response God Desires
Conclusion
Notes
Appendices