Аннотация

What does it mean to take the Bible seriously? This introductory book explores how Scripture itself gives us the resources to read it wisely. First, it looks at the basic questions of reading in context–historical, literary, and theological–and understanding the significance of the two-testament structure of the Christian Bible. Then it looks at how the Bible can itself contribute to shaping a wise doctrine of Scripture. Finally, it considers some of the many hermeneutical perspectives that contribute to reading the Bible wisely. New to this revised edition are chapters addressing the significance of the Old Testament, the performative function of Scripture, and how reading Scripture actually helps form the reader. The aim throughout is to explore key questions critical to the task of reading the Bible generously, constructively, and in a comprehensible way, without oversimplifying core theological issues.

Аннотация

This book is for all those who wonder how to hold together spiritual life and the study of the Bible. It asks: «How may we read Scripture for a word of life?» The answer: by reading carefully, critically, imaginatively, theologically . . . in short, spiritually. Richard Briggs offers a series of «spiritual readings» in John's Gospel, going in search of life, and life to the full. Along the way he discovers surprises, love, humor, tears, truth, and suffering, all wrapped up in a profound theology that is designed to be understood by everyone, from newcomers right through to those who have loved John's Gospel for a long time. He leads readers on a life-giving adventure, and models the best of careful reading of the biblical text. In a short concluding essay he helps readers understand what it means to read John's Gospel well; to read it in life-long pursuit of a word of life.