Appealing to Scripture in Moral Debate: Five Hermeneutical Rules - Paperback

by Charles H. Cosgrove (Author)

John Barton
-- Oxford University
"Charles Cosgrove writes lucidly and with profundity about various ways of using the Bible in ethics, drawing on a very wide range of literature. His book introduces clarity into a confused area and will be essential reading for both ethicists and students of the Bible. A wise, learned, and highly readable work."

David M. Scholer
-- Fuller Theological Seminary
"For all who accept in any serious way the authority of the Bible, the basic issue confronting and always challenging us is hermeneutics. Cosgrove's masterful and measured study of five basic hermeneutical perspectives ('rules') is a superb contribution to the discussion of textual interpretation. I hope biblical scholars, theologians, and ethicists will read this book with the care it deserves."

Jeffrey S. Siker
-- Vanderbilt University
"A first-rate contribution to the important discussion of how Scripture is used in moral debate. Cosgrove's study is sophisticated, wide-ranging, and carefully argued. It is a very helpful and thoughtful analysis that reflects both critically and faithfully on the use of Scripture in moral reasoning."

Daniel Patte
-- Loyola Marymount University
"Charles Cosgrove's book is a must for pastors, priests, and all Christians who appeal to Scripture to ground the moral life. In a time of frequent moral debates among Christians, this timely book helps us to recognize that there are different ways to appeal to Scripture, instead of claiming that those with whom we disagree do not respect the authority of Scripture. In a time when we might feel paralyzed by the conflict of interpretations, this most helpful book clarifies for us that, whatever our conclusions might be, we have chosen one among several legitimate and plausible ways of appealing to Scripture. By refusing to prescribe one of these hermeneutical choices as 'better' than the others, Cosgrove empowers us to assume responsibility for our own choice. This is the kind of ethical responsibility in biblical interpretation that one should find in any pulpit. A most timely and helpful book."

Back Jacket

Arguing from scripture is one of the ways that Christians test their moral judgments. But are all methods of appealing to the Bible equally valid and effective? In this book Charles Cosgrove looks at the churchs long tradition of moral debate and analyzes five important hermeneutical rules that guide contemporary use of scripture in ethical argument.

After introducing the nature of moral arguments generally, Cosgrove devotes one chapter to each of the five rules of biblical interpretation that make ethical appeals to scripture persuasive. He sets forth each rule's rationale, provides examples of its operation, and subjects it to critique.

Based not only on the work of biblical scholars and Christian ethicists but also on Cosgrove's own experience with debates in classrooms, churches, and other Christian contexts, this volume is a valuable aid to readers who employ moral reasoning in real-life settings.

Author Biography

Charles H. Cosgrove is emeritus professor of early Christian literature at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, where he taught from 2011-2021. Earlier in his career, he taught at Northern Seminary and in the Association of Chicago Theological Schools' Doctor of Ministry in Preaching program. He has published books and essays on a wide range of subjects, including the letters of Paul, biblical theology, hermeneutics and ethics, practical theology, and early Christian hymnody.