The question of interpretation is as old as language itself. In today's postmodern context, however, the task of hermeneutics has become frustratingly complex. This timely collection of essays by ten leading scholars explores the diversity of contemporary Christian hermeneutical theory and practice. The format of the book consists of a major essay and a response in each of four disciplines - philosophy, English, sociology, and theology - leading to differences in definition and practice, but with the common framework of a Christian perspective. In their insightful handling of the most challenging contemporary issues and literature on interpretive theory, the authors seek to negotiate the narrow straits between absolute certainty and interpretive license. And as they chart the turbulent waters of the postmodern world, they serve as savvy guides to assist us in our difficult passage to the truth.

Revelation is the study of how, when, and where God reveals himself and of what is disclosed. This book is an excellent introduction to revelation that brings its subject into the theological inquiry of the next century. In discussing the major themes of the narrative of revelation, Gabriel Fackre provides an overview of the traditional models of revelation, introducing readers to the work of such twentieth-century giants as Barth, Tillich, Rahner, and Henry. He also provides dialogue with other formative figures, such as Pannenberg, Dulles, Berkouwer, Torrance, and Lindbeck. By focusing on Scripture, while also making reference to the core secondary literature, Fackre leads readers through the key concepts involved in the construction of a biblically centered doctrine of revelation.

It is widely believed that contemporary science has ruled out divine action in the world. Arguing that theology can and must respond to this challenge, Philip Clayton surveys the available biblical and philosophical resources. Recent work in cosmology, quantum physics, and the brain sciences offers exciting new openings for a theology of divine action. If Christian theism is to make use of these opportunities, says Clayton, it must place a greater stress on divine immanence. In response to this challenge, Clayton defends the doctrine of panentheism, the view that the world is in some sense "within" God although God also transcends the world. God and Contemporary Science offers the first book-length defense of panentheism as a viable option within traditional Christian theology. Clayton first defends a "postfoundationalist" model of theology that is concerned more with the coherence of Christian belief than with rational obligation or proof. He makes the case that the Old and New Testament theologies do not stand opposed to panentheism but actually support it at a number of points. He then outlines the philosophical strengths of a panentheistic view of God's relation to the world and God's activity in the world. The remainder of the book applies this theological position to recent scientific developments: theories of the origin of the universe; quantum mechanics, or the physics of the very small; the debate about miracles; and neuroscientific theories of human thought.

Kathleen Farmer's work on the Books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes constitute a single volume in the International Theological Commentary, a series whose goal is to bring the Old Testament alive in the worldwide church. In moving behyond the usual critical-historical approach to the bible, the ITC offers a distinctive theological interpretation of the Hebrew text.

These essays address the crisis of biblical authority and interpretation in the church, focusing in particular on the inadequacy of the historical-critical method of hermeneutics, addressing from various perspectives the notorious gap between the historical-critical approach to the study of the Bible and the church's liturgical and dogmatic transmission of biblical faith. The authors, following Childs' "canonical method" of biblical interpretation, argue that the historical-critical method should not of itself set the agenda for biblical reading. Contributors: Robert W. Jenson, Carl E. Braaten, Elizabeth Achtemeier, Brevard S. Childs, Karl P. Donfried, Roy A. Harrisville, Thomas Hopko, Aidan J. Kavanaugh, Alister E. McGrath.

Anderson's study of the Book of Daniel is a contribution to the International Theological Commentary whose goal is to bring the Old Testament alive in the worldwide church. In moving beyond the usual critical-historical approach to th Bible, the ITC offers a distinctive theological interpretation of the Hebrew text.

The ordination of women has been one of the most pressingand passionately debated - issues facing the church in recent years. In this volume, based on the prestigious 1995 Didsbury Lectures, R. T. France explores several important questions of biblical interpretation raised by the serious disagreements among Christians over the nature of women's ministry. France primarily focuses on the issues as they are manifest in evangelical circles, where appeal is made instinctively to the authority of Scripture. He challenges readers to think out what it means to claim that our theology and practice are "biblical". His insightful arguments help point the way beyond the impasse over the role and place of women in church ministry.

As the most forceful biblical proponent of the ideals of justice, loyalty, and kindness, Micah holds special appeal for those who are concerned about the powerlessness of the poor and humble.

In keeping with the international character of the series, Hamlin's commentary on Joshua pays more than usual attention to the fulfillment of the third part of God's promise to Abraham.

"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.""--2 Timothy 2:15 (NKJV) Everyone who studies and teaches the Bible has a responsibility to accurately interpret and communicate God's message. Understanding the principles of sound interpretation, therefore, is of vital importance. Pastors, Bible teachers, and anyone who studies the Scriptures will appreciate the helpful guidance of this collection of scholarship. Rightly Divided" brings together the insights of twenty-one experienced Bible scholars in the field of hermeneutics, providing a basic overview of hermeneutics and also addressing specific issues of interpretation. Included are chapters by: Darrell L. Bock--"Evangelicals and the Use of the Old Testament in the New" G. B. Caird--"Ambiguity in the Bible" Norman Geisler--"The Relation of Purpose and Meaning in Interpreting Scripture" Walter C. Kaiser Jr.--"Issues in Contemporary Hermeneutics" I. Howard Marshall--"The Holy Spirit and the Interpretation of Scripture" J. Robertson McQuilken--"Identifying the Audience God Intended" Bernard Ramm--"The Devotional and Practical Use of the Bible" Roy B. Zuck--"The What and Why of Bible Interpretation"

This volume in the New Testament in Context (NTC) commentary series is a concise treasure-trove of information about two New Testament letters (2 and 3 John) and a treatise or sermon (1 John). Issues of authorship and province are considered, and related commentaries by Bultmann, Schnackenberg, and Brown are engaged. In contract to the infinite detail of these latter commentaries, Gerard Sloyan s work stands as a paragon of clarity, insight, and access to the meaning of the Johannine letters. The overall effect provides the reader with perspective on the kinds of issues christological, ethical, organizational, and theological that were troubling and dividing the church in the second century. Gerard S. Sloyan is a priest of the Diocese of Trenton (NJ) and Professor Emeritus of Religion at Temple University. He is currently a visiting professor in the School of Religious Studies at the Catholic University of America. His most recent book is The Crucifixion of Jesus: History, Myth, Faith.

Did a volcano part the Red Sea? Have scientists found Eve? Was the pharaoh of the Oppression a woman? Did the Jordan River really cease flowing the day Jericho fell?

A brilliant author, scientist, and adventurer who has been called "the real Indiana Jones," Dr. Charles Pellegrino takes us on a remarkable journey from the Nile to the Tigris-Euphrates rivers -- crossing time, legend, and ancient lands to explore the unsolved mysteries of the Old Testament. Return to Sodom and Gomorrah is an epic saga of discovery that interweaves science, history, and suspense --the first book ever to bring archaeologists, scientists and theologians together to examine the same evidence. In this enthralling revelatory adventure, Pellegrino introduces us to dedicated pioneers like Benjamin Mazar, Leonard Woolley, and T. E. Lawrence, who retraced the steps of Moses to demystify the Exodus and the Flood. In the process, he enables us to view ancient relics in an extraordinary new light -- as both fascinating windows on the past and vivid signposts to the future.

In this reflection on a lifetime's study of the Old Testament, William McKane shows how biblical exegesis should be less of an art to interpret revelation and inspiration than an illuminating humanist and linguistic discipline. He argues that the use of 'Word of God' in connection with prophetic utterances, and as a term for Scripture as a whole, leaves too much unsaid about the divine-human encounter. Exploring the limits of our knowledge of God in the tradition of Maimonides, he suggests that God does not speak Hebrew, that all language is human language, and that the language of the Old Testament should be studied like any other language embedded in ancient documents.

J. Benton White claims that both modernists and fundamentalists believe in the Bible and take it seriously. Here he surveys the many Protestant approaches to the Bible and then focuses on the issues raised by each group during this century. He gives special attention to Protestants' struggle with the question of how the Bible should be understood. By doing so, he helps individuals examine this crucial question and allows them to draw their own conclusions. White focuses on Martin Luther's affirmation of the "Protestant principle" of the Bible alone, then follows debate up to the present.

"Disinheriting the Jews" is a scholarly work of great interest and significance for both Christians and Jews. Jeffery Siker shows how strongly the figure of Abraham has shaped our religious identities. He also uses the portrayals of Abraham by early Christians as a new means of understanding the dynamics involved in the church's separation and estrangement from Judaism. Siker argues that the separation was precipitated by historical contingencies more so than by Christian identity, and in so doing suggests self-corrections that could mend the rift between Christianity and Judaism.

Translated by Inkeri Vaananen-Jensen. Proverbs of Finland heritage. Front and back covers of Finland State Forest, Minnesota. Hand calligraphy and line art throughout by Esther Feske. An axe is not sharpened on only one side. Keep learning as long as you live. Hurry slowly. If you don't go, you can't return. Every man can tell you how, even if he can't do it. The day is longer in the morning. There is time enough to rest in the grave. Sauna, the poor man's drug store. Even the most wise makes one mistake. A full purse does not jingle. 6"x9" 51 pages.