The Living Word of God
Rethinking the Theology of the Bible
By Ben Witherington III
|
|
Subjects: All Biblical Studies, All Religious Studies, Hermeneutics & Exegesis |
In this final installment of his trilogy on the central ordinances of the Christian faith (baptism, the Lord's Supper, and the proclamation of God's Word), Ben Witherington asks: What does it mean to call the Bible "God's word"? In doing so, he takes on other recent studies which downplay the connection between history and theology, or between historical accuracy and truth claims. The Bible is not merely to be viewed as a Word about God, Witherington argues. Instead, he says, the Bible exhorts us to see the Bible as a living Word from God.
Dedication
Foreword
1. Seeking the Word of God
2. Inspiration without an Expiration Date
3. The Ends of Enns: The Danger of an Analogy
4. Truth Telling as an Art Form
5. Can these things be true?
6. Did the Canon and its Translators Misfire?
7. How to pick a translation without losing your religion
8. Rightly dividing the Word of Truth
9. The Art of reading Scripture in a Post-modern World
Afterword: The Sacrifice of the Intellect?
Appendix: Bible Q&A
Notes
If we believe that Scripture is God's word and that God cannot err, then it follows the Bible is inerrant. But what would have constituted an error in the biblical cultures? What does Scripture testify about itself and the nature of its reliability? Ben Witherington, prolific NT professor at Asbury Seminary, addresses these and related questions, including the formation of the canon, the history of Bible translations, how to choose among the many English-language versions, and basic hermeneutical principles. Almost every reader will disagree at some point, but the vast majority of his positions are compelling and clear. Warmly to be recommended.
—Craig L. Blomberg, Distinguished Professor of New Testament, Denver Seminary
Whatever Ben Witherington writes goes to the top of my 'must read' list. His new book doesn't disappoint. It's insightful, creative, provocative, and challenging – in other words, it's pure Ben!
—Lee Strobel, author of The Case for the Real Jesus
Ben Witherington III (Ph.D. Durham University) is Amos Professor for Doctoral Studies, Asbury Theological Seminary. He is the author of more than thirty books, including, most recently The Living Word of God: Rethinking the Theology of the Bible, (2008), Letters and Homilies for Hellenized Christians: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary on 1-2 Peter, (2008), and Making a Meal of It: Rethinking the Theology of the Lord’s Supper (2008). Witherington is twice the Christianity Today book of the year winner. He lives in Lexington, Kentucky.
Email to a colleague
