How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth

📖 The Scoop

This book takes a new approach to helping a person read and study the Bible with greater understanding. In thirteen chapters the authors, both professors at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, teach the reader the rudiments of good interpretation for the various types of literature (genres) that make up the Bible. Different biblical genres require different exegetical questions and skills. Introductory chapters show the need for interpretation and give instruction on how to choose a translation. The rest of the book discusses the Epistles, the Old Testament Narratives, the Book of Acts, the Gospels, the Parables, the Old Testament legal portions, the Psalms, the Prophets, the Wisdom books, and Revelation. In each chapter there is an explanation of the nature of the genre and what makes it different from the others, keys for interpreting that genre, and finally a discussion of the hermeneutical questions it raises for today's Christian. In each section on interpretation the reader is taught what one can learn on his or her own without outside help, and then when and how to seek outside help. Part of each chapter helps the reader wrestle with the questions of application. How does a psalm addressed to God over 2500 years ago function as a word from God for today? How does one distinguish between cultural and transcultural matters in the Epistles? Does a biblical precedent serve as a norm for the church for all times? Guidelines for these and many other hermeneutical questions are given throughout the book. - Back cover.

Genre: Religion / Biblical Studies / General (fancy, right?)