“The task of hermeneutics must come before homiletics.”

Understanding hermeneutics, or in more specific terms, the process by which we interpret scriptural text (aka exegesis), it an important first step in “preaching and teaching" scripture in a way that is applicable to today (aka homiletics). At just under 200 pages, this book is a quick read that is easily accessible to any reader, regardless of background (in other words, you don’t need to be a theologian or biblical scholar to understand and/or benefit from it). Ultimately we get an introduction to many of the critical methods used by scholars so that the reader is better able to understand context and nuance from which contending interpretations can emerge. In fact, I find this work to be an excellent companion to another favorite of mine: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59867323-biblical-reasoning">Biblical Reasoning</a> which introduces that concept of biblical pressure to exegesis of scripture.

Beginning with a definition and brief history of hermeneutics and end with its use in homiletics, each chapter starts with a topical introduction, detailed discussion, study and practice recommendations and a conclusion to wrap it all up. While it is nearly impossible to eliminate all bias within the realm of biblical interpretation, the author does an awesome job chartering the middle path with a brief explanation of the pros and cons of the principle approaches (aka diachronic and synchronic approaches), genre and form analysis, et al. while making illustrating the author’s preferred approach (to facilitate preaching and teaching) using NT examples (Gospel and Philemon). My only critique here would probably be a wish for more in the study and practice section. Over all this book would be a excellent addition to the bookshelf of any student of the Christian Bible.

1. What Is Hermeneutics, and Why Are So Many Talking about It?
2. Hermeneutics and the Authority of Scripture
3. Hermeneutics at the Level of Language and Linguistics
4. Hermeneutics at the Level of Text: Part 1
5. Hermeneutics at the Level of Text: Part 2
6. Hermeneutics at the Level of Biblical Theology
7. Hermeneutics at the Level of Systemic Theology
8. Hermeneutics at the Level of at the Level of Homiletics

I was given this free advance reader copy (ARC) ebook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

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