Christian Theologies of Scripture

“[I]t represents more than a collection of essays. It is a helpful, at times profound, mapping of Christians reflections on their Scriptures.” ­Choice, Recommended


All religious traditions that ground themselves in texts must grapple with certain questions concerning the texts' authority. Yet there has been much debate within Christianity concerning the nature of scripture and how it should be understood--a debate that has gone on for centuries. Christian Theologies of Scripture traces what leading theologians and intellectuals have said about scripture from the early days of Christianity until today. It incorporates diverse discussions about the nature of scripture, its authority, and its interpretation, providing a guide to the variety of views about the Bible throughout the Christian tradition.

Preeminent scholars including Michael S. Horton, Graham Ward, and Pamela Bright offer chapters on major figures in the pre-modern, reformation, and early modern eras, from Origen and Aquinas to Luther and Calvin to Barth and Balthasar. The book also includes overview chapters to orient readers to the key questions regarding scripture in each era, as well as chapters on scripture and feminism, scripture in the African American Christian tradition, and scripture and postmodernism. This volume will be indispensable reading for students and all those interested in the nature and authority of Christian scripture.

“No one with an interest in theological exegesis of biblical hermeneutics can afford to miss this book.” —David S. Yeago,Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary

“What does it mean to call biblical writings the word of God? This fine collection of readable essays based on current research gives an excellent overview of Christians' answers to that question.” —David H. Kelsey, Yale Divinity School