The fine publication Books & Culture has just published a web exclusive article reviewing the recent conference I was able to attend at Regent College. Daniel Treier, of Wheaton College fame, writes the review here which I think is a good one.
I particularly enjoy his highlighting the fact that sociology (or more particularly, sociological abberations) cannot be an accurate adjudicatory of theology (referencing recent works by the likes of Christian Smith). Abuse of a thing (here, evangelical hermeneutics) does not cancel out the correctness of a position. As Treier puts it for example, "the priesthood of all belivers is no more right or wrong based on functional aberrations than is priestly celibacy." Well said.
I also appreciate Treier's realistic expectations of biblical interpretation in this life. He closes his reflections by saying, "speaking for protestant theology, then, moments when heaven and earth touch as we interpret Scripture will only be episodic for now." I like then how Treier talks about how we must take "a long view [of sound biblical interpretation], cheerfully resting in Christ's lordship over the history of his church--even its embarrassing moments when earth seems utterly disconnected from heaven."
Indeed, there may be (and have been) embarrassing times when brothers cannot come to agreement on matters of biblical interpretation. But may we be humble and patient always as we approach the word, knowing we don't master it, but it masters us.
I particularly enjoy his highlighting the fact that sociology (or more particularly, sociological abberations) cannot be an accurate adjudicatory of theology (referencing recent works by the likes of Christian Smith). Abuse of a thing (here, evangelical hermeneutics) does not cancel out the correctness of a position. As Treier puts it for example, "the priesthood of all belivers is no more right or wrong based on functional aberrations than is priestly celibacy." Well said.
I also appreciate Treier's realistic expectations of biblical interpretation in this life. He closes his reflections by saying, "speaking for protestant theology, then, moments when heaven and earth touch as we interpret Scripture will only be episodic for now." I like then how Treier talks about how we must take "a long view [of sound biblical interpretation], cheerfully resting in Christ's lordship over the history of his church--even its embarrassing moments when earth seems utterly disconnected from heaven."
Indeed, there may be (and have been) embarrassing times when brothers cannot come to agreement on matters of biblical interpretation. But may we be humble and patient always as we approach the word, knowing we don't master it, but it masters us.
1 comment:
Good stuff
In reading the review, I couldn't help but think of Keith Mathison's "The Shape of Sola Scriptura".
With the different presuppositions seemingly present, it seemed relevant. Instead of "History vs Mystery", it seems more of a question of what (or who) all is allowed to be authoritative in the discussion.
The term "spiritual interpretation" just seems like a red herring for "whatever the romanist living magistrate says at the moment".
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