Modern Christian theology has been problematic with the schism between the Bible and theology, and between biblical studies and systematic theology. Brevard Springs Childs is one of those biblical scholars who dismiss this «iron curtain» separating the two disciplines. Theological Exegesis in the Canonical Context: Brevard Springs Childs's Methodology of Biblical Theology analyzes Childs's concept of theological exegesis in the biblical canons. Childs disregards negative influences of the historical-critical method by establishing canon-based theological exegesis that leads into confessional biblical theology. He demonstrates forcefully the inadequacies of the historical-critical method in practicing biblical theology. His canonical approach establishes post-critical Christian biblical theology and works within the traditional framework of faith seeking understanding. Childs's biblical theology has a double task: descriptive and constructive, the former connects biblical theology with exegesis, the latter with dogmatics. He uses a comprehensive model that combines a thematic investigation of the essential theological contents of the Bible with a systematic analysis of the contents of the Christian faith. Childs's theological exegesis in the canonical context offers a new interpretation in the modern history of Christian theology.

This study explores and compares the role of the canon in the work of Brevard S. Childs, James A. Sanders, Peter Stuhlmacher, Joseph Ratzinger/Benedict XVI, and the Amsterdam School of exegesis, thus offering a broad overview of approaches and perspectives within the spectrum covered by canonical criticism. In doing so, both the theory of canonical criticism offered by each of the five is analysed and a sample of an actual exegesis is discussed. Observing that the interplay between text, reader, and community of interpretation is key to all of these approaches, the study proceeds to create a dialogue between canonical criticism and ecumenical hermeneutics, which leads to a proposal for an approach to exegesis that integrates elements of canonical hermeneutics, ecumenical hermeneutics, and intercultural perspectives.

World-renowned scholar Michael Gorman presents a straightforward approach to the complex task of biblical exegesis. This third edition of Gorman's widely used and trusted textbook (over 60,000 copies sold) has been thoroughly updated and revised to reflect developments in the academy and the classroom over the past decade. The new edition explains recent developments in theological interpretation and explores missional and non-Western readings of the biblical text. Adaptable for students in various settings, it includes clear explanations, practical hints, suggested exercises, and sample papers.

Critics have tried to revitalize the discipline of New Testament theology. The results of their labors are often disappointing. A. K. M. Adam suggests the problems many sense in New Testament theology arise from a mismatch of method and goals. That mismatch stems from a preoccupation with modernity as resident in the hallowed halls of regnant historical criticism. We need a hermeneutics of theology, a hermeneutics of hermeneutics. Adam here helps us understand what to keep of the historical-critical perspective when the realization hits that we have been sold a bill of goods that no longer makes good on its promises. In that sense, Adam's book is far more friendly to the historical-critical method as such than unfriendly (editor's preface).

The long and complex history of reception and interpretation of the Hebrew Bible / Old Testament through the ages, described in the HBOT Project, focuses in this concluding volume III, Part 2 on the multifarious research and the different methods used in the last century. Even this volume is written by Christian and Jewish scholars and takes its wider cultural and philosophical context into consideration. The perspective is worldwide and ecumenical. Its references to modern biblical scholarship, on which it is based, are extensive and updated.The indexes (names, topics, references to biblical sources and a broad body of literature beyond) are the key to the wealth of information provided.Contributors are J. Barton, H.L. Bosman, A.F. Campbell, SJ, D.M. Carr, D.J.A. Clines, W. Dietrich, St.E. Fassberg, D. Føllesdal, A.C. Hagedorn, K.M. Heim, J. Høgenhaven, B. Janowski, D.A. Knight, C. Körting, A. Laato, P. Machinist, M.A.O ́Brien, M. Oeming, D. Olson, E. Otto, M. Sæbø, J. Schaper, S. Sekine, J.L. Ska, SJ, M.A. Sweeney, and J. de Waard.

This book offers an entryway to the discussion between theological interpretation of Scripture and contextual theology (i.e., tribal theology). It argues for the need to consider the importance of reading the Bible with multiple contexts in mind, while addressing the tension between church and academy in the area of biblical interpretation. Adapting from the theological method of Kevin J. Vanhoozer, it argues for a multi-contextual biblical-theological interpretation of Scripture that maintains evangelical ethos (i.e., the solas of the Reformation), recognizes canonical sense (i.e., the measuring and guiding criteria), asserts Catholic sensibility (i.e., value the contribution of the local and Catholic church), and affirms contextual sensitivity (i.e., the local/tribal confessing community). These are the contexts that enable Christians to read the Bible as what it is, namely, human and divine discourse.

This book contributes to the theory and practice of Biblical interpretation by engaging in an interpretation of Psalm 24 inspired by a particular understanding of Brevard Childs' “canonical approach”: an understanding centred on the concept of “theological substance.” Sumpter shows how the literary, historical, and theological dimensions of Psalm 24 cohere into a single vision by reading the text according to the previously discussed dialectic. An initial “synchronic” analysis of the psalm's poetic structure related to a “diachronic” reconstruction of the tradition history that lead to the final form. The question is then posed concerning the primary forces at work in this history of composition, a question which leads to reflection on the Trinity, first in se and then pro nobis. This latter dimension takes us back to the text, as its “Davidic” nature is further analysed in relation to the books of Samuel, the Psalter, and Isaiah. Finally, Patristic exegesis is turned to for further stimulation concerning the mysterious subject matter of the text.

Frederik Poulsen investigates the role of the Old Testament in biblical theology. Analyzing the works of Brevard Childs and Hans Hubner, he addresses main issues regarding the different versions of the Old Testament (the Hebrew Bible and the Greek Septuagint) and the significance of the New Testament's use of the Old. The author explores the interpretative implications of these issues by focusing extensively on Isaiah 42:1-9. The Hebrew version as such is ambiguous regarding the servant figure being portrayed, his identity, and his task. The Septuagint renders several key terms and statements differently and the reception of the passage in the New Testament reveals a manifold of diverse interpretations. Common to all versions is the servant's role as a mediator between God and the nations. Frederik Poulsen shows that this central task is constantly being reapplied to new servant figures.

This book draws together two current issues in Old Testament study: canonical analysis and the minor prophets. G. Michael O'Neal applies the canonical approach of Brevard S. Childs to the book of Habakkuk, resulting not only in an evaluation of Childs's method, but also providing new insights into the canonical shape and theological message of Habakkuk. The findings of textual, historical, literary, formal, and redactional criticisms inform the study. However, O'Neal goes beyond these findings to ascertain the canonical shape of Habakkuk and to illustrate how this shape informs an understanding of the book's theological message.