History and Hermeneutics

by Murray Rae

Murray Rae argues that the practice of contemporary biblical hermeneutics has been radically impaired by a widespread allegiance to a series of problematic assumptions about history. He offers a theological account of what history is, centred on the categories of creation and divine promise, and proposes that it is within this theological conception of history that the Bible may be understood on its own terms. History and Hermeneutics is both critical and constructive, identifying the crucial problems and proposing a way forward. The ecclesial reading of Scripture and the value of tradition are rehabilitated and an account is given of how we may properly ask the Question, 'What really happened?'

Genres: Theology

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[William Beag · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a steadiness to Murray Rae’s writing that I found deeply refreshing. In a field where theological authors can sometimes seem eager to display the full machinery of their intellect, Rae writes with a quieter confidence, clear, careful, and without unnecessary performance.

What I appreciated most was the sense that the book trusted the reader. Difficult ideas are explored thoughtfully, but never buried beneath jargon for its own sake. Even when discussing complex questions of interpretation and meaning, the prose remains remarkably humane.

It is an academic work, certainly, but not a cold one. I came away with the feeling that theology, at its best, should illuminate rather than intimidate, and this book understands the difference.

[Stephen Drew]

Pennington relies heavily upon in Reading the Gospels Wisely