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Rating: 
Summary: An absolutely excellent book for all levels
Review: Robert Grant (emeritus, U. Chicago) and David Tracy (U. Chicago) have come together in this small book to give perhaps the finest concise history of biblical interpretation that you can find for the money ... Yes, it leaves out some theologians and interpreters, maybe your favorite ones, but the book is not meant to be exhaustive. Nevertheless it almost manages even this, since I cannot think of someone you NEED to know about that you won't have studied after having read this little tome. There is a very nice biblography, a good index (includeing references in the notes as well), though no scriptural index. This is not a real problem, however, since this is not a book of exegesis per se, but the history of exegetical problems and traditions. The book is divided into two parts, historical and theological. That may not be an exact divide in a book on biblical interpretations, but it serves. Grant writes part one, and manages to give a good overview of all (and excellent investigation of others) of the various readings of the text, Old and New. In 150 pages of non-technical language, Grant leads the reader from Jesus and first-century Jewish readings of the Bible, and the development of Christian texts into a "testament," all the way to modern (20th century) Protestant ways of reading, without leaving out anyone who figures largely or less-largely in the history of interpretation. Quite a feat, but he is successful, at least within the scope that this book sets for itself. It is not for the specialist, but the specialist can certainly benefit from it as a reference book and quick look-up tool (and who doesn't need that from time to time?) David Tracy's contribution is part two, a theological and hermeneutical look at biblical interpretation, interpretaiton theory, critical theory, and prospects for the future. As in Grant's earlier chapters, Tracy gives just enough information to be helpful, but not enough to be daunting. With a top scholar in biblical studies and a top scholar in theological studies coming together in this book, it makes it a volume hard to avoid owning, especially for the student or educated layman. Here is a suggestion, as a matter of fact: this would be an excellent adult study book for churches--pastors and vestries take note! If you are in the position to need a history of how the biblical texts have developed and been interpreted (the multifariousness of interpretations might well shock you), this is a great little book to own. I highly recommend it without reservation.
Rating:
Summary: An excellent intro. to the interpretation of Scripture.
Review: This short, concise book gives a clear and easily understood history of the interpretation of Scripture. The author examines the way the Bible has traditonally been interpreted and then shows how these historical approaches have contributed to our contemporary understanding. While this book may be of particular interest to clergy, teachers, preachers and students, it is free of specialized theological and exegetical terminology and is a valuable resource for anyone who reads the Bible. Highly recommended
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