Reading the Bible Wisely

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Description: 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. Endorsements: "Reading and interpreting the Bible is both necessary and challenging. Richard Briggs turns his masterly hand to this and provides an excellent introduction and guide. Writing in an engaging and reflective style, he covers a good deal of ground expertly and accessibly and makes available to the reader his own wisdom and insight. Take Richard as your wise guide in this adventure of faith!" -Ian Paul St. John's College, Nottingham "Briggs both thinks and writes wisely. He draws deeply on scholarly resources, lucidly synthesizing crucial ideas from a variety of academic sub-disciplines, while nimbly avoiding the academic tendency to become embroiled in technical jargon and remaining alert to the experience of curious believers encountering the Bible. Readers will absorb a great deal of learning and wisdom with astonishingly little effort and will find their experience of reading the Bible transformed." -Maria Poggi Johnson University of Scranton "With wit, sophistication, and engaging prose, Briggs cuts away much of the dry rot in biblical studies that threatens to the keep the Bible from actually being useful in the church. This book takes Scripture seriously and has taught me that too often attempts to do so fall short because they rely on 'methods.' Finally, something readable to give to Christian friends and family members who ask for a good book on how to interpret the Bible." -Joel N. Lohr Trinity Western University "Written with warmth, wit, and wisdom, Reading the Bible Wisely is a much-needed encouragement to let Scripture be Scripture--in reading it, thinking about it, and living it. -Antony Billington London Institute for Contemporary Christianity "Richard Briggs offers a series of test cases by which to examine the meaning of biblical texts and the issues involved in their theological interpretation. Paying close attention to the assumptions we bring to Scripture and how it transforms our understanding, Briggs writes with a perceptive eye for detail, an unostentatious but profound and rigorous scholarship, and a sparkling, evocative style. A must for anyone wanting to grow in their appreciation of God's Word today." -Richard Harvey All Nations College, United Kingdom About the Contributor(s): Richard S. Briggs is Lecturer in Old Testament and Director of Biblical Studies at Cranmer Hall, St. John's College, Durham University, England, where he teaches Old Testament. He is the author of Words in Action: Speech Act Theory and Biblical Interpretation (2001) and The Virtuous Reader: Old Testament Narrative and Interpretive Virtue (2010).