July 2015
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Exploring the Role of a Canon-Within-the-Canon in Biblical Interpretation, part 4
The Historical Critical Method As has been frequently pointed out the historical critical method, rooted in the intellectual paradigm of the Enlightenment, is based on assumptions which are no more neutral than those it sought to challenge.[1] Its inception marked the shift from a hermeneutic of trust to a hermeneutic of suspicion. For our purpose… Continue reading
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Exploring the Role of a Canon-Within-the-Canon in Biblical Interpretation, part 3
Recent Feminist Interpretive Approaches Those critical of attempts to find a feminist interpretive framework to the Bible often criticise proponents as operating with an inner canon. It is easy to see why, as like all contextual theology, feminist theologies start with a specific concern. Abraham, however, praises feminist interpreters in the sense that that, in… Continue reading
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Psalmtweets: Psalms 41-50
Our journey continues with these 10 psalms. We continue our effort to use individual psalms to define the Psalter. Psalm 41: The Psalms celebrate the faithful’s care for the helpless and the poor. Psalm 42: Thirsting for God is a normal part of the life of faith according to the Psalter. Psalm 43: The Psalms… Continue reading
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Exploring the Role of a Canon-Within-the-Canon in Biblical Interpretation, part 2
The Relationship between Romans and the Epistle of James The relationship between interpretations of Paul’s letter to the Romans and the letter of James took on a new note during the Reformation. Luther’s new-found emphasis on the centrality of justification by faith led him to question the value of James in no uncertain terms. He… Continue reading
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Exploring the Role of a Canon-Within-the-Canon in Biblical Interpretation, part 1
Introduction “. . . [H]e that breaks a thing to find out what it is has left the path of wisdom” exclaims Gandalf in Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, in what is arguably the author hinting at his antipathy towards the Enlightenment and consequent technological progress.[1] This saying has a peculiar resonance with the… Continue reading
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Psalmtweets 31-40
This is the 4th post of my latest round of Psalmtweets. Psalm 31: The Psalms show that suffering and illness are part of the life of faith. But trust, hope & faith are the greater part. Psalm 32: The Psalms teach us about The Way. Yahweh’s instruction is more than just knowledge. Psalm 33: The… Continue reading
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Theologian of the Month: Gustavo Gutiérrez
The Idea This month in my church (New Life Baptist Church, Guildford) I introduced ‘Theologian of the Month’. This will be a regular feature of our life together as an experiment for a few months. It is hoped that it will help members of all ages think about their personal faith as well as learn… Continue reading
About Me
This blog’s central aim is to explore all aspects of how the Psalter (the biblical psalms) functions as Scripture today.
To this end it will also include book reviews on the Book of Psalms and related topics.
Some posts will reflect more broadly on biblical interpretation or hermeneutics.
If you like what you see here and want to arrange for me to give a lecture, run a teaching event or a short retreat based around The Psalms then contact me so we can discuss how this might work.
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