Misunderstanding Genre in Biblical Studies: A Summary of Recent Developments

I just finished reading Andrew Judd’s new book, Modern Genre Theory: An Introduction for Biblical Studies. Judd’s goal was to introduce advanced graduate students and biblical scholars (who are not genre specialists) to recent discussions about genre. Everyone who knows anything about studying the Bible knows that properly identifying what kind of literature you’re reading … Continue reading Misunderstanding Genre in Biblical Studies: A Summary of Recent Developments

Why Would God Include a Verse in the Bible that We Cannot Understand?

I recently led some students through a case study of Luke 16:1-13, the “notoriously difficult” Parable of the Unrighteous Manager. In Jesus’s parable, the manager gets sacked by his boss for dishonesty, finds a shrewd way around his dilemma, and for some reason receives praise by his former boss. After discussing verse 9 at length … Continue reading Why Would God Include a Verse in the Bible that We Cannot Understand?

The Limits of Idolatry: Can We View Greed and Lust like Idols of Wood and Stone?

I used to wonder whether the interpretive move from worship of wood and stone images to heart issues like greed, lust, and gluttony was hermeneutically proper. I mean, we don’t always—and we shouldn’t always—spiritualize things that are physical in their original contexts. Isn’t that what allegorizers do? No, such a move is not illegitimate. Let … Continue reading The Limits of Idolatry: Can We View Greed and Lust like Idols of Wood and Stone?

Do Bible Readers Make Meaning?

What is the “locus” of meaning in a biblical text? In other words, where does meaning come from?—where should we look to find meaning? This is a foundational question for interpreting the Bible (or any text, for that matter). Three possibilities have been suggested: The author The text The reader Throughout most of history, people … Continue reading Do Bible Readers Make Meaning?

What is Progressive Dispensationalism?

What is Progressive Dispensationalism? Progressive Dispensationalism is a pattern of biblical interpretation that focuses—not entirely, but most particularly—on the question of how Old Testament promises made to Israel relate to the church. Proponents of Progressive Dispensationalism attempt to walk a middle path between Traditional Dispensationalism and Covenant Theology. Progressive Dispensationalists affirm much of what is … Continue reading What is Progressive Dispensationalism?

Jeremiah 29:11-13: “For I know the plans I have for you…” Do these verses apply to us…or not?

It has become increasingly popular in recent years for teachers of the Bible (myself included) to disparage people who apply Jeremiah 29:11-13 to their lives. “You’re not paying attention to the context!” they loudly protest (…as I have). This post will explore whether such disparagement is appropriate, and conclude that often it is not. I … Continue reading Jeremiah 29:11-13: “For I know the plans I have for you…” Do these verses apply to us…or not?