Biblical Reasoning

“In content, this book is a profound study of the triune God and the incarnate Son. But in form and method, it’s a master class in how to read the Bible directly and accurately, aided by classic, doctrinal wisdom. Introducing readers to clear rules and proven tools, Jamieson and Wittman put theology where it belongs: in service of knowing God through his Word. Biblical Reasoning is a triumph, a gift given to equip the saints for the work of interpretation.”—Fred Sanders, professor of theology, Torrey Honors College, Biola University

“Does biblical exegesis, when done with modern tools, collapse the classical dogmatic consensus on the Trinity and Christ? Jamieson and Wittman show us why the answer is no through a careful introduction to what Scripture is, what hearing Scripture’s truth involves, and why the realities of the Trinity and the incarnation are biblical. This book requires the attention of all catholic (and Catholic) Christians. The movement founded by the great John Webster rises to new heights with this book!”—Matthew Levering, James N. Jr. and Mary D. Perry Chair of Theology, Mundelein Seminary

“Over the last few decades, believing scholars within both theology and biblical studies have been trying to retrieve and reappropriate the riches of the Christian tradition that have fared poorly in the modern era. Well versed and deeply rooted, Jamieson and Wittman represent this vision with wisdom, beauty, verve, and practicality. These writers and this book give me hope and courage for the ongoing task of a robust ecclesial life guided by Holy Scripture and biblical reasoning.”—Jonathan T. Pennington, professor of New Testament, Southern Seminary; pastor of spiritual formation, Sojourn East Church

“God’s self-presentation to us in Scripture is the path to God’s self-presentation to us in the beatific vision. For this reason, biblical interpretation is never merely a matter of attending to the various historical, literary, and theological features of the text. If biblical interpretation is to fulfill its divinely appointed end, we must learn to recognize the face of God in Holy Scripture (Ps. 27:8). In this profoundly learned, instructive, and helpful work, Bobby Jamieson and Tyler Wittman outline and exemplify a number of well-tried exegetical principles and tools for discerning in Scripture the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. This is a book of generational significance that deserves to be read by all teachers and serious students of the Bible.”—Scott R. Swain, president and James Woodrow Hassell Professor of Systematic Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando, Florida

“This book is an invitation to another book: Holy Scripture. In Biblical Reasoning, Jamieson and Wittman make what might be called an exegetical confession: Scripture is God’s word that reveals and redeems to the end that readers are brought into relationship. God speaks so God’s creatures finally see God. Trinitarian and christological doctrine, in this economy, is not a movement away from the biblical texts but rather the theological grammar that flows from and returns the reader to the canonical voice of God, the Father who sends the Son and the Spirit. Tolle lege, tolle lege: take up and read this book, for the sake of taking up and reading the other one.”—Jonathan A. Linebaugh, associate professor, University of Cambridge; fellow, Jesus College

“Theology needs to be exegetical and contemplative, though a whole host of pressures draw attention elsewhere. Biblical Reasoning helps alert us to where we should focus and equips us to do so with competence and care. I hope it’s read widely by students and those who long to go back to school with the Scriptures.”—Michael Allen, John Dyer Trimble Professor of Systematic Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary