Synopses & Reviews
In this important study, Markus Bockmuehl considers the divided and contentious state of contemporary New Testament studies. While acknowledging the importance of historical-critical study, he argues that the interpretation of Scripture must take place within the context of the church and Christian theology.Specifically, Bockmuehl offers two proposals. First, he suggests that interpreters consider the effective history of the New Testament, or its historical influence in the church. Second, he believes that contemporary interpreters must take into account the implied readers of the early church and how they might have understood the text.Students and pastors interested in using the New Testament well will find this a valuable work, and Bockmuehl's proposals will certainly generate much discussion.
Synopsis
At a time of deep disagreements about the nature and purpose of academic biblical studies, Markus Bockmuehl advocates the recovery of a plural but common conversation on the subject of what the New Testament is about.
Seeing the Word begins with an assessment of current New Testament studies, identifying both persistent challenges and some promising proposals. Subsequent chapters explore two such proposals. First, ground for common conversation lies in taking seriously the readers and readings the text implies. Second, Bockmuehl explores the text's early effective history by a study of apostolic memory in the early church.
All serious students of the Bible and theology will find much of interest, and much to discuss, in this first volume in the Studies in Theological Interpretation series.
Synopsis
Taking full account of more recent approaches and historical-critical methods, the author proposes a rethinking of the way students and scholars should approach the New Testament.