Abstract
Reading the Bible purposefully and in an informed manner is an activity that requires guidance and direction. The plethora of nuanced approaches to understanding scripture available to the modern reader need to be understood, even if some are given higher priority than others and some discarded. Sometimes, as well, more than one perspective on a passage can be held in tension at the same time, illuminating and enriching a biblical text in a way that would otherwise not have been possible.
In Part One of Richard Briggs’ revised edition of Reading the Bible Wisely, he differentiates clearly and succinctly between this variety of ways of reading both the Old Testament and the New Testament. Briggs demonstrates how it is possible to read the Bible in its theological context and with reference to the relevant historical background, at the same time being attentive to the literary qualities that are discernible within biblical texts. These differing hermeneutical approaches are illustrated with reference to specific passages from scripture. Chapter One includes an engaging examination of the Road to Emmaus narrative (Luke 24:13-35) highlighting the use of chiasm as a structural feature that adds symmetry and a sense of careful composition to this memorable encounter. To complete Part One of his revised work, Briggs has added two new chapters on reading the Old Testament. Chapter Five, on reading Isaiah, is substantially more complex and analytical than the preceding chapters and, as such, detracts a little from his avowed aim in his prefatory comments to ‘keep its introductory nature in mind’.
In Part Two, Briggs addresses other related key issues. The inspiration of scripture, the nature of the biblical canon and the question of the biblical authority are all treated cogently, effectively and with some fresh insights. This section includes a helpful comparison between the Hebrew Canon and the Christian (Protestant) Canon, and a summary of attitudes regarding the Apocrypha.
Part Three includes several hermeneutical perspectives, with a particularly interesting chapter on the Book of Revelation. In this chapter he demonstrates how theological, historical and literary insights can combine to bring meaning to such a complex text. The chapter on the formative and transformative nature of studying scripture is also a timely and encouraging reminder. The value of speech act theory in reading scripture assumes background knowledge in linguistics, however, and this chapter goes beyond the scope of Briggs’ introductory work on hermeneutical approaches. It is a perspective that has limited application for the general reader.
The revised edition of Reading the Bible Wisely, however, should be very appealing to a new generation of Christian readers seeking to interpret scripture with more academic poise and confidence. As believers continue to be equipped to defend the relevance, integrity and worth of the Bible, this introductory work adds a useful resource to the range of suitable, secondary works available.
Coming Next Month
October’s Expository Times is a special issue with the theme of “Faith in the City”. Guest edited by Angus Paddison and Karen Wenell, it includes contributions on theology from an urban context by Chris Baker, Chris Shannahan, Margaret Jones and Anthony Harvey.