Bibliographical details:
Shillington, V. G. (2002). Reading the Sacred Text: An Introduction to Biblical Studies. London: T & T Clark.
Publisher’s information:
This comprehensive textbook introduces the reader to the multi-faceted discipline of biblical studies. The more the reader knows about the Scriptures, their literary and rhetorical texture, and their social, cultural and political context, and not least about the reader’s own subjective approach to the ancient texts, the better equipped he or she is to understand and enter into conversation with the Bible. The author’s aim therefore is to invite participation in the creative adventure of reading the Scripture texts with a fresh sense of their significance and how they can speak.
The book is divided into three parts: Venturing into Biblical Studies, Respecting the Traditions Reasonably and Reading the Scriptures Responsibly. Among the many aspects discussed are the use of language and imagery, the self-consciousness of the reader and how subjectivity can be kept in check, and the various ways of reading the Scriptures. The interaction of various traditions with the biblical text through the ages is explored, as is the rich variety of literary genres represented in the Bible. Each chapter opens with a summary of its aims, followed by a set of On Course questions that enables the reader to study issues in greater depth.
This is a thorough and lucid introduction to all aspects of biblical studies, and lends itself particularly well to a one-term course on the subject.
‘One could hardly ask for more in a modern introduction to biblical studies.’ – Ian McDonald, Edinburgh
‘A thoughtful, informed, and far-reaching introduction to the demanding skills of competent Bible reading, presented by an experienced Christian teacher. Many cogent analogies, as well as specific illustrations on the basis of selected texts, enhance the argumentation.’ – Waldemar Janzen, Winnipeg
V. George Shillington is Professor of Biblical an at the Canadian Mennonite University, Winnipeg.
Table of contents:
Abbreviations … viii
Preface … ix
1. Introduction … 1
Part I: Venturing into Biblical Studies … 9
2. A Place to Start … 12
3. Method Making Methods … 28
4. Aspects of Meaning … 45
5. Language, Speech and Text … 63
Part II: Respecting the Traditions Reasonably … 81
6. Writing the Biblical Texts … 84
7. These Books as a Rule … 110
8. Behind the Printed Text … 137
9. In Other Words … 173
Part III: Reading the Scriptures Responsibly … 203
10. The Inter-Act of Reading … 206
11. Modern Ways of Reading the Ancient Scriptures … 219
12. Other Ways of Reading the Same Scriptures … 244
13. Negotiated Reading … 276
14. Conclusion … 292
Bibliography … 297
Scripture References … 314
Author Indexes … 317
Subject Index … 321
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