Divine Scripture in Human Understanding: A Systematic Theology of the Christian Bible

by Joseph K. Gordon

In six closely-reasoned chapters, Joseph Gordon presents a detailed account of a Christian doctrine of Scripture in the fullest context of systematic theology. Divine Scripture in Human Understanding addresses the confusing plurality of contemporary approaches to Christian Scripture―both within and outside the academy―by articulating a traditionally grounded, constructive systematic theology of Christian Scripture. Utilizing primarily the methodological resources of Bernard Lonergan and traditional Christian doctrines of Scripture recovered by Henri de Lubac, it draws upon achievements in historical-critical study of Scripture, studies of the material history of Christian Scripture, reflection on philosophical hermeneutics and philosophical and theological anthropology, and other resources to articulate a unified but open horizon for understanding Christian Scripture today. Following an overview of the contemporary situation of Christian Scripture, Joseph Gordon identifies intellectual precedents for the work in the writings of Irenaeus, Origen, and Augustine, who all locate Scripture in the economic work of the God to whom it bears witness by interpreting it through the Rule of Faith. Subsequent chapters draw on Scripture itself; classical sources such as Irenaeus, Origen, Augustine, and Aquinas; the fruit of recent studies on the history of Scripture; and the work of recent scholars and theologians to provide a contemporary Christian articulation of the divine and human locations of Christian Scripture and the material history and intelligibility and purpose of Scripture in those locations. The resulting constructive position can serve as a heuristic for affirming the achievements of traditional, historical-critical, and contextual readings of Scripture and provides a basis for addressing issues relatively underemphasized by those respective approaches.

Genres: Theology, Biblical Studies

458 pages, Hardcover

Published March 15, 2019

Reviews

[Matthew McConnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely incredible book. I devoured it in days. I learned so much about my own Christian Bible as I read this work, and Gordon has inspired me regarding the necessary work of systematic theology. Gordon seeks to understand Christian Scripture amidst all of the human particularities bound up in its existence. His work is deeply Trinitarian and catholic in spirit. He does not shy away from difficult questions, but embraces the paradoxical mysteries bound up in our confession of faith in the work of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in history. I heartily recommend this book to any who are interested in what the Bible is.

[Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will serve as my go-to academic level systematic theology of scripture for recommending.

[Rob O'Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aside from the writings of Jurgen Moltmann, there have only been two theological texts that I have honestly struggled to work through -- 20th Century Theology by Stanley Grenz and Roger Olsen and Homiletic by David Buttrick. Gordon's book is now added to this list.

While this sounds like a severe criticism, it is not intended to be so. I gladly struggle with Motlmann because his writings -- along with those of Karl Barth, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Paul Tillich -- are the foundation of my theological understanding. I discovered these authors while reading Grenz and Olsen's book in seminary. Therefore, one immediate struggle led me to my perpetual struggle -- that of grappling with what I believe and why I believe it.

Gordon's book is something similar. His book covers some ground that I resonate with, mainly through the hermeneutical writings of Michal Gorman and theological writings of Michael Bird. However, there is still much here that needs to be unpacked and returned to. As I continue to engage scripture both personally and professionally, I will return to Gordon's arguments as I continue to discern the "intelligibility" of scripture (p. 8).

It is dense. As his students say, Gordon "has no chill." However, this book -- and the study of scripture -- is not for the faint of heart. Should you begin here if you are coming to Christian scripture for the first time? Probably not. However, if you take the study of Christian scripture seriously, Gordon's book must be on your reading list.

[Lukas Stock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dense, tightly argued, and exceedingly clear. Extensive attention and description to method is helpful.

Some may hesitate with the characterization of Scripture as “instrument of divine pedagogy” and some of the ways Gordon works that out. As he intimates numerous times, this work is intended to offer potential answers to questions and it is up to responsible readers to evaluate, which in itself serves to bolster his points.

While I relate to the repetition and redundancy to ensure clarity, it interrupts the flow of the argument and definitely makes the book longer than it needs to be.

Well worth the read for a stimulating and challenging exploration into the nature of humanity, the economic work of the Trinity, and the Spirit-inspired Scriptures that mediate their meaning to us.

[Traci Rhoades · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slow and steady, with a highlighter. Gordon is a wise teacher. The best part was I could not figure out his church tradition. An ecumenical treasure then.

[JonM · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m still thinking this one through. It’s a surprisingly dense book for topic that *feels* like it could have been shorter. But then again, it’s very Lonerganian, which is both frustrating and challenging in great ways. Let the reader understand.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intriguing account of Scripture from a sophisticated Catholic perspective. The main draw back is its assumption that a more evangelical Protestant view (i.e., inerrancy) is inherently wrong without much direct engagement with the view.

[Jonah Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gordon offers an excellent theological structure for situating Biblical studies within Christian faith. Really appreciated his willingness to engage with the realities of historical criticism, and his ideas for moving forward.

I'll reference this for a long time.

[Brett Vanderzee · Rating 4 out of 5]

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[Jay Merrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's well-written thought-provoking, but it's not for the faint of heart!