Reading the Bible Theologically

Description

Theological interpretation of the Bible is one of the most significant debates within theology today. Yet what exactly is theological reading? Darren Sarisky proposes that it requires identification of the reader via a theological anthropology; an understanding of the text as a collection of signs; and reading the text with a view toward engaging with what it says of transcendence. Accounts of theological reading do not often give explicit focus to the place of the reader, but this work seeks to redress this neglect. Sarisky examines Augustine's approach to the Bible and how his theological insights into the reader and the text generate an aim for interpretation, which is fulfilled by fitting reading strategies. He also engages with Spinoza, showing that theological exegesis contrasts not with approaches that take history seriously, but with naturalistic approaches to reading.

Darren Sarisky is currently Departmental Lecturer in Modern Theology at the Faculty of Theology and Religion, University of Oxford. His publications on scriptural interpretation include Theology, History, and Biblical Interpretation: Modern Readings (2015) and Scriptural Interpretation: A Theological Exploration, Challenges in Contemporary Theology (2013).

'Sarisky's account of reading the Bible theologically is rich and textured, and it reflects some important points that are becoming common across a range of contemporary thinkers. Attention not only to texts but to readers and contexts as well is clearly articulated in this constructive account.' Myk Habets, Modern Theology '... this book will go a long way toward helping scholars and students reframe the debate, moving away from theology versus history and thinking instead of how a historical reading of Scripture is transformed when it is approached theologically instead of naturalistically.' Austin Stevenson, International Journal of Systematic Theology