Theological Interpretation Part 6

Summary

The six themes that have been discussed by no means exhaust all the concerns being addressed by those affiliated with TIS. Other prominent issues include the complex relationship between theological interpretation and philosophical hermeneutics, and the challenge of reading Scripture in a global context.¹ Even so, from the points considered a picture has begun to emerge of the aims and motivations of TIS. While any concise definition of TIS will fail to account for certain emphases and for the variety amongst its practitioners, a working definition should be attempted.

Moberly defines theological interpretation as 'reading the Bible with a concern for the enduring truth of its witness to the nature of God and humanity, with a view to enabling the transformation of humanity into the likeness of God.'² This is a helpful definition in what it affirms, but it does not sufficiently account for the ecclesial emphasis common to TIS proponents, and does not capture the sense of spiritual encounter found in a number of TIS writings. Green, for example, states that theological interpretation is concerned with 'encountering the God who stands behind and is mediated by Scripture.'³ Similarly, Vanhoozer emphasises communion, sharing in the light life and love of God.⁴ These comments indicate a desire to go beyond learning about the nature of God. Hays describes theological exegesis as 'a way of approaching Scripture with eyes of faith and seeking to understand it within the community of faith',⁵ thus emphasising both the theological lens or rule through which interpreters come to the text, and the primary setting in which TIS is practiced. Finally, Greg Allison characterizes TIS as a 'matrix of interpretative approaches, all of which bear some familial resemblances while exhibiting differences as well.'⁶ This highlights the plurality of methods and convictions that constitute TIS affiliates. With these factors in mind, a definition can be formulated. (1) Theological interpretation of Scripture involves reading the Bible confessionally through the interpretive lens of the historic Christian tradition's governing theological claims. (2) The aims of theological interpretation are to encounter the God who is the ultimate author of the Bible, and to be guided in living faithfully as Christians in the world today. (3) These aims can accommodate a range of methods and emphases. (4) The biblical text may produce a plurality of meanings within the parameters set by the rules of canon and creed (5) Theological interpretation is performed primarily by the Church and for the Church.

1Treier, Introducing, 157-205; Kevin J. Vanhoozer, “One Rule to Rule Them All? Theological Method in an Era of

World Christianity,” in Globalizing Theology, eds. Craig Ott and Harold A. Netland, 85-126 (Grand Rapids: Baker

Academic, 2006).

2Moberly, “What,” 163.

3Green, Practicing, 5.

4Kevin J. Vanhoozer, “Ten Theses on the Theological Interpretation of Scripture,” Modern Reformation 19, no. 4

(July/Aug 2010):16-19.

5Hays, “Reading,” 11.

6Allison, “Theological,” 28-29.