The Letter and Spirit of Biblical Interpretation: From the Early Church to Modern Practice - Paperback

by Keith D. Stanglin (Author)

For the better part of fifteen centuries, Christians read Scripture on two complementary levels, the literal and the spiritual. In the modern period, the spiritual sense gradually became marginalized in favor of the literal sense. The Bible came to be read and interpreted like any other book. This brief, accessible introduction to the history of biblical interpretation examines key turning points and figures and argues for a retrieval of the premodern spiritual habits of reading Scripture.

Back Jacket

This helpful introductory overview of the history of biblical interpretation is a real achievement, punctuated as it is with significant insights, robust critique, and sympathetic assessment. The climax is a brave attempt to be like the scribe who brings out of his treasure things both old and new. Readers should be enticed into further exploration and experiment.
--Frances Young, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom

"Stanglin's history of biblical interpretation is a gem! Accessible, well informed, and balanced, it provides a remarkable bird's-eye view while at the same time zooming in on specific exegetical examples. Stanglin's analysis of the move from premodern to modern exegesis is retrieval theology at its best."
--Hans Boersma, Nashotah House

"This book provides a compelling overview of how the tradition has been aware of the necessity of a more than (but not less than) literal reading of the Bible. It offers insight into what was at stake in the decades just prior to the rise of the critical methods applied to the Bible, and it speaks up for the unfashionable vocation of the exegete-theologian. Heartily recommended."
--Mark W. Elliott, University of St. Andrews

"Critical biblical scholars have long scoffed at the excesses of premodern allegorists. Theological interpreters have recently returned the favor, scoffing at the reductionism of critical readers. Stanglin's history of Christian interpretation cuts through the polemics. He not only demonstrates the superiority of premodern interpretation but also shows the real gains (and losses) of modern scholarship. An outstanding contribution and a welcome addition to any course on biblical hermeneutics."
--Peter Leithart, Theopolis Institute

"Interest in premodern ways of reading the Bible has grown so quickly that we now require direction through the territory. Stanglin's guide should become preeminent in the genre. His lucid overview gets at the deeper motives and methods that have shaped traditional ways of reading Scripture. A superb book for students, pastors, and all thoughtful Christians."
--Ephraim Radner, Wycliffe College, University of Toronto

"In this lively and accessible introduction, Stanglin makes a strong case for the exegetical value of the history of interpretation. Readers will learn a great deal from his skillful and sure-footed review of ancient, medieval, and modern interpreters, and they will be challenged by his call for a more balanced--and more profound--engagement with the Bible."
--Michael Legaspi, St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary

Author Biography

Keith D. Stanglin (PhD, Calvin Theological Seminary) is executive director of the Center for Christian Studies in Austin, Texas. He previously taught at Heritage Christian University, Austin Graduate School of Theology, and Harding University. Stanglin is the author or coauthor of numerous books, including The Reformation to the Modern Church.