Bibliographical details:
Goldingay, J. (1995). Models for Interpretation of Scripture. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
Publisher’s information:
This definitive study looks at the task of interpreting Scripture by exploring four broad models for understanding Scripture, namely, ‘witnessing tradition,’ ‘authoritative canon,’ ‘inspired word,’ and ‘experienced revelation.’
The diversity of interpretive approaches implied by the use of these four models is carried further by a methodological catholicity and openness within each of the four major divisions of the book. For instance, in dealing with the interpretation of scriptural narrative, Goldingay carefully explains how literary approaches to Scripture and a concern for the history narrated in the Bible’s stories can be held together, and he shows how a concern for audience can work together with other interpretive focuses. In his discussions of differing approaches and focuses in interpretation, Goldingay is impressively clear and informative and demonstrates a sophisticated ability to respond to and challenge what other scholars have written.
Throughout this volume, Goldingay continually moves toward the interpreter’s final task - communication to others of what has been gained in interpretation. He asks, for example, what are the implications of the different interpretive strategies for Christian life, human liberation, preaching, and Christian community life. He demonstrates his conclusions with numerous examples of interpretation – his own and those of others – of specific Bible passages.
Table of contents:
1 Introduction: Scripture’s Varied Forms … 1
Part I: Scripture as Witnessing Tradition: Interpreting Narrative … 13
2 Witness in the Form of Story: Beginning from the Text … 15
3 Beginning from the Audience … 36
4 Scripture as Witness: Some Implications for Interpretation … 56
5 How Stories Preach … 71
Part II: Scripture as Authoritative Canon: Interpreting Torah … 87
6 Scripture as a Collection of Norms for Behaviour … 89
7 Handling the Variety of Levels in Scripture … 104
8 Interpretation as a Feature of the Canonical Process … 121
Part III: Scripture as Inspired Word: Interpreting Prophecy … 139
9 The First Testament Prophets in the Second Testament … 141
10 The First Testament Prophets in the Modern World … 152
11 Interpreting a Historical Word … 167
12 Hearing the Words of God in the Words of Human Writers … 183
Part IV: Scripture as Experienced Revelation: Interpreting Apocalypse, Testimony, and Theological Statement … 201
13 Interpreting a Revelation … 203
14 Interpreting Accounts of Human Experience … 216
15 The Corporateness of Scriptural Interpretation … 233
16 Subjectivity and Objectivity in Interpretation … 251
17 Reflective Expository Preaching … 266
Abbreviations … 288
Bibliography … 290
Index of Authors … 317
Index of Scriptural and Other Ancient Jewish and Christian Writings … 324
Click here to read the review by Joel B. Green published in the Review of Biblical Literature.
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