Recovering Theological Hermeneutics: An Incarnational -Trinitarian Theory of Interpretation

by Jens Zimmermann

Endorsements: "This book is a careful, historical demonstration of the way in which hermeneutics was secularized yet continues to borrow on the capital of Christian theology. By exposing the problems inherent in secular hermeneutics and correcting the histories of philosophical hermeneutics on record, Zimmerman points a way forward beyond secular hermeneutics. This is a bold project that should be read not only by theologians but, more especially, by those philosophers working in the wake of Heidegger, Gadamer, Derrida, and Levinas. This book is an excellent addition to any course in philosophical hermeneutics." -- James K. A. Smith, author of The Fall of Interpretation "In Recovering Theological Hermeneutics, Zimmerman offers a compelling argument for the claim that hermeneutics must be theological if it is to be truly hermeneutical. Through a fair and careful reading of premodern and postmodern hermeneutical theorists, he shows their true kinship. Building appreciatively (though not uncritically) upon insights of Gadamer, Levinas, and Derrida, Zimmerman draws from Bonhoeffer and Balthasar to construct an incarnational hermeneutic. Zimmerman provides us with a deeply Christian view of human understanding--one that results in nether hermeneutical triumphalism nor hermeneutical despair but affirms understanding as relational, historical, and ultimately based on God's revelation." --Bruce Ellis Benson, author of Graven Ideologies: Nietzsche, Derrida, and Marion on Modern Idolatry "Recovering Theological Hermeneutics is an important contribution to hermeneutics. Zimmerman provides not only a detailed and convincing historical analysis but also an outline of theological hermeneutics that is ethical, incarnational, and thus, in the best sense of the word, truly evangelical. Far from naively idealizing a premodern point of view, Zimmerman convincingly works through modern and postmodern thought. In so doing, he shows the often-overlooked potential of the premodern Christian tradition without ignoring its difficulties and shortcomings--a challenge to both modern and postmodern theology and, indeed, philosophy." --Holder Zaborowsky, Albert-Ludwig University of Freiburg About the Contributor(s): Jens Zimmermann holds a Canada Research Chair at Trinity Western University. He is coauthor of The Passionate Intellect (2006), and coeditor of Being Human, Becoming Human: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Social Thought (2010).

Genres: Theology, Philosophy

352 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2004

About the author

Jens Zimmermann (b. 1965) is a Christian philosopher and theologian who specializes in hermeneutics and the philosophical and theological roots of humanism. He is currently J.I. Packer Chair of Theology at Regent College.

Reviews

[Christopher G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jens Zimmerman traces the progression of philosophical and theological hermeneutics through the premodern, modern, and postmodern eras by examining the conclusions of the most influential contributors of each period. From the premodern emphasis on relationship with God, hermeneutics has now progressed to a godless ontology with an emphasis on self knowledge with subjective understanding. Contrary to the current evangelical belief that postmodern hermeneutics is superior to the methods and conclusions of premodern and modern scholars, Zimmerman advocates for a return to premodern hermeneutics and its relational, trinity-centric focus.

Considering the scope of the subject matter and the numerous individuals that Zimmerman drew from, the book has been condensed very well into the essential concepts that influenced change in hermeneutical thought through the progression of time. However, due to the number of philosophical views that Zimmerman draws from and makes reference to, it becomes difficult to keep them organized, especially with a limited background in philosophical studies.

I have a limited background in philosophy so I found this to be a challenge to read and assess. It might be deserving of five stars if my overall comprehension of the material was better on the first reading.