Biblical Hermeneutics (Paperback)

This sensible, balanced work provides a clear overview of biblical hermeneutics: its history, method, and implementation. Ferguson combines several topics not usually found in a single volume: crucial theological issues and historical-philological questions, the complexities of interpreting the various types of biblical literature, ways to use the Bible in the life of the church, and examples of how the Bible has been and is interpreted. A comprehensive survey, Biblical Hermeneutics covers the field with an openness of perspective. Ferguson's well-organized introduction is an impressive resource for understanding and performing the task of biblical interpretation. ""What I like best about Duncan's books is that they are theologically balanced, generous to alternative viewpoints, and practical. Whether it is a basic introduction to theology or outlining the principles of good biblical interpretation, Duncan always keeps his audience in mind and meets them with useful insights. His work is very useable for church and adult study groups."" --Thomas F. Johnson, PhD, Professor of Religious Studies (ret.), George Fox University ""In this day of increasing ignorance about the Bible, when people have little sense of the content of scripture and media-exposed preachers use the Bible only as a prop, we need a sound, reliable, and engaging invitation to the text itself. I am grateful that Duncan Ferguson has given us just that. He is a knowledgable and trustworthy guide. No one will read this book and come away without new insight and a fresh sense of a much-needed Word for us today."" --Mark Valeri, The Reverend Priscilla Wood Neaves Distinguished Professor of Religion and Politics, The John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics, Washington University in St. Louis ""There is no innocent reading of Scripture! Every contemporary reader of the book of Psalms or the Gospel of Matthew engages those texts with a perspective formed consciously and unconsciously by cultural, religious, and personal biases. To add to the complexity, the biblical writings themselves were composed, revised, and collected by communities of faith in the westernmost edge of Asia over a period of several centuries and changing cultural contexts stretching from the Iron Age to the Roman Empire. The challenges brought to the task of making sense out of the Bible today from the side of the reader as well as from the side of the Bible means that the possibilities for confusion and misinterpretation are nearly endless. Ferguson's masterful work comes to our rescue! By equipping us with the conceptual tools and skills that we desperately need, this scholarly yet accessible guide equips Digital Age readers to honor the integrity of the writings of Scripture while making meaningful connections to the pressing issues of the contemporary world. This book is a crash course in the theory and practice of responsible biblical interpretation."" --Rev. Dr. Gordon S. Mikoski, PhD, Associate Professor of Christian Education, Director of PhD Studies, and Editor, Theology Today, Princeton Theological Seminary Duncan Ferguson has served in the church and higher education as a chaplain, professor, and senior administrator. He received his PhD from the University of Edinburgh and has had an interest in writing across his career. His recent books are Exploring the Spiritualities of the World Religions (2010), Lovescapes: Mapping the Geography of Love (2012), and The Radical Teaching of Jesus (2015). He has been engaged in several programs related to international peace and justice and is currently focusing on Israel and Palestine.