PsalterMark

July 26, 2015

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

Canon-Within-the-Canon, Inner canon, Interpretation, John Goldingay

Canon-Within-the-Canon, Goldingay, Interpretation
July 23, 2015

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

Devotional, Psalmtweets, Twitter

Devotional, Psalmtweets, Twitter
July 21, 2015

Karl Barth’s Biblical Hermeneutics, Part 6

The 6th and final post on Karl Barth’s Biblical Hermeneutics Conclusion: Barth in our Context Barth’s overall approach is consistent in that faith in the possibility of God’s working in Revelation validates the hermeneutic of trust which is central to his theological exegesis. The former legitimises the latter. Like Wright’s Critical Realism, Barth is honest… Continue reading

Interpretation, Karl Barth, Revelation, Uncategorized

Interpretation, Karl Barth, Revelation
July 20, 2015

Karl Barth’s Biblical Hermeneutics, Part 5

The 5th of six posts on Karl Barth’s Biblical Hermeneutics The Holy Spirit and Biblical Interpretation Barth has frequently been accused of having a deficient pneumatology. For example, Williams laments what he sees as the undeveloped pneumatology of Barth in a broad sense, as well as in particular in God’s mediation to his creatures.[1] Colwell… Continue reading

Interpretation, Karl Barth, Revelation, Uncategorized

Interpretation, Karl Barth, Revelation
July 19, 2015

Karl Barth’s Biblical Hermeneutics, Part 4

This is the 4th of six posts on Karl Barth’s Biblical Hermeneutics. The Diversity of Barth’s Critics Many of Barth’s German Protestant contemporaries saw a variety of problems with Barth’s exegetical and interpretative approach shown in his Romans commentary.[1] These included the accusation of his being a Biblicist[2], having a worrying dependence on the Spirit[3]… Continue reading

Interpretation, Karl Barth, Revelation

Interpretation, Karl Barth, Revelation
July 18, 2015

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

Gutiérrez, Liberation Theology

Gutiérrez, Liberation Theology
July 18, 2015

Psalmtweets 21-30

The third of the new psalmtweets posts. These tweets are part of a set of 150 which aim to define the Psalter with a contribution from each psalm. Psalm 21: The Psalms often speak of the King. These words have taken on new significance in Christ. Psalm 22: The Psalms show how desperate need should… Continue reading

Psalmtweets, Rereading, Twitter

Psalmtweets, Rereading, Twitter
July 16, 2015

Karl Barth’s Biblical Hermeneutics, Part 3

Barth’s Disdain for Discussing Hermeneutics Some have dismissed Barth’s biblical ontology and gone no further. A central reason why Barth’s hermeneutics are poorly understood, or dismissed without any engagement, is that he made strenuous efforts to avoid discussing hermeneutics.[1] It is not, as some have claimed, that he makes ad hoc hermeneutical decisions that suit… Continue reading

Interpretation, Karl Barth, Revelation

Interpretation, Karl Barth
July 15, 2015

Karl Barth’s Biblical Hermeneutics, Part 2

Barth’s Break with Liberalism as Hermeneutical in Nature Karl Barth’s break with the prevailing Liberal Protestantism of his ecclesial and educational context has been described as ‘the most important event that has occurred in theology in over two hundred years’.[1] Though some might question the singular magnitude of this assessment there is no disputing the… Continue reading

Interpretation, Karl Barth, Revelation

Interpretation, Karl Barth
July 12, 2015

Karl Barth’s Biblical Hermeneutics, Part 1

Introduction: Barth in his Context It has been claimed that Gadamer said more than he realised when he suggested that ‘despite all his disaffection for methodological reflection, Barth’s Romans is a kind of hermeneutical manifesto’.[1] Precisely what he meant must remain open as he never elaborated on this in his lifetime.[2] During the course of… Continue reading

Interpretation, Karl Barth, Revelation

Interpretation, Karl Barth, Revelation

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.

About Me

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