Abstract
Zoë Bennett’s new book focuses on biblical influence and interpretation from different readers’ perspectives and connections between the Bible and public theology. The book is divided into three parts. In Part I, Bennett presents a set of cameos describing personal experiences of different individuals and groups with a biblical text as well as reflecting on an individual’s engagement with this text, emphasizing the necessity of recognizing one’s presuppositions in interpreting the Bible. Part I finishes with some reflections on two ways of interaction between Scripture and practice.
Part II is dedicated to the presentation of John Ruskin’s experiences with reading and interpreting the Bible. Ruskin, a versatile and talented public figure in 19th-century England and a regular Bible reader, is introduced by Bennett as ‘a reader who may be a mirror’ (p. 77) to other readers of the Scripture and their relationship to this text. Finally, Part III tackles the question of the use of the Bible in the texts whose contents fall into the category of contemporary practical theology.
Zoë Bennett’s book is quite intriguing and thought provoking. While presenting different stories of biblical influence in various individuals’ lives, she also attempts to uncover these persons’ unconscious presuppositions that shape their scriptural interpretations. Reflecting on these examples and drawing from her own experience of reading and interpreting the Bible, she provides a number of insightful comments, which illuminate to a certain extent what she identifies as her key question: ‘How can we use the Bible with love and tenderness, with playful imagination, with a criticality that does not destroy it but elucidates its truth and displays its beauty?’ (p. 130).
Having said that, it is certain that not all Bennett’s statements and conclusions will be convincing for everyone (including the author of this review). Nevertheless, the particular value of her book lies in providing food for thought, which enables a reader to ponder over his or her own experiences of reading the Bible in the context practical life issues. I believe that many people interested in biblical hermeneutics or practical theology will be able to derive benefit from reading Zoë Bennett’s book.