Understanding the Bible: A Basic Introduction to Biblical Interpretation

by George T. Montague

A popular overview of the ways scripture has been interpreted from biblical times to the present, with an evaluation of ancient and contemporary methods.

Genres: Theology

272 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1997

Reviews

[Joshua Revelle]

George Montague’s Understanding the Bible is a fairly straightforward overview of the history of Biblical interpretation, but it is not exactly, as its subtitle suggests “A Basic Introduction.” The first half examines various hermeneutical theories as applied to Biblical study. It presumes a rather extensive knowledge of the Bible and some facility with philosophy. The first half is, therefore, much more suited for graduate study than undergraduate. The second half summarizes the major contemporary academic approaches to Biblical interpretation. The second half is considerably more accessible and perhaps useful as a reference.

Overall, Montague presents a very balanced Catholic approach to Biblical interpretation. He argues well that the authentic interpretation of Sacred Scripture involves both the application of scientific methods and supernatural faith in continuity with the Judeo-Christian religious traditions that produced the Scriptures.

The overall structure of the book is well-organized, but the text does not always flow smoothly. There is certainly order within the various sections, but it is not always clear how one paragraph is related to the next until halfway through the latter.

Most of the book contains Montague’s summaries of theories and methods, and so in some ways it feels like a dictionary or reference book. At times, he offers helpful and memorable illustrations of ideas, but at other times, especially with regard to the philosophy of hermeneutics, the ideas (and terminology) could use more elaboration. It also seems that his summaries of patristic and medieval approaches to interpretation should be expanded and nuanced.

In sum, Understanding the Bible is a fine handbook, but its subtitle is somewhat misleading. It is “Basic” inasmuch as it summarizes various theories and methods, but the combination of “Understanding the Bible” and “A Basic Introduction” suggests it is far more accessible to beginners than it really is. Nonetheless, for those who are sufficiently prepared, it could be very useful.

[Jamey]

This is definitely something that should be used in college classes, as the author asserts at the very beginning of the book. However, it also has its uses for the general Christian reader. "Understanding the Bible" gives a brief overview of the history of Biblical Interpretation. Montague introduces us to such characters as Origen, Crysostom and the like, and how they're style of Biblical Interpretation effected theologians in their day, and in days to come. Montague also covered different styles of interpretation, including the pros and cons of different practices, and his own opinion on which is effective in the church today. I'd recommend this book to any Bible scholar, especially those who may be having trouble differentiating between the many genres in the Bible, and how to extract truth from each.
It is a very educational read, albeit slightly involved and arguably difficult.