Virtuous Reader, The: Old Testament Narrative and Interpretive Virtue (Studies in Theological Interpretation) - Softcover

Briggs, Richard

Softcover

ISBN 10: 080103843X ISBN 13: 9780801038433

Publisher: Baker Academic, 2010

Synopsis

Biblical interpretation expert Richard S. Briggs presents a rich and thought provoking portrait, or series of portraits, of the kind of character most needed to be a good reader of the Old Testament. He highlights the moral character or virtues most appropriate to the varied tasks of reading the Old Testament, provides insight on theological interpretation, and examines five ways the Old Testament improves our ability to read Scripture well. Briggs also offers a defense of "interpretive virtue" and includes case studies of the Old Testament's shaping of the virtues of humility, wisdom, trust, love, and receptivity.

About this title

From the Back Cover

"The author invites us to consider those happy and healthy dispositions that Scripture itself elicits from those who would understand it. His learning is comprehensive, engaging not only 'the usual suspects' but also interpreters as varied as Wittgenstein and Mark Twain. Most important, Richard Briggs models the virtues of which he writes."--C. Clifton Black, Princeton Theological Seminary

"Briggs combines sophisticated theological hermeneutics with close attention to the biblical text and a probing interaction with the literature of biblical commentary, both ancient and modern. The result is immensely readable--fresh discussions leading to readings of the Old Testament that are both memorable and persuasive."--Walter Moberly, Durham University

"A terrific book! Briggs significantly advances the conversations about biblical interpretation and Christian character through his rich exegetical studies and his philosophical and theological insights. This book should be read by biblical scholars, theologians, ethicists, and pastors alike."--L. Gregory Jones, Duke University

"Extremely well informed both about hermeneutics and philosophical conceptions of virtue, Briggs aims to show connections between the act of reading and the character of the reader. The Old Testament itself, he argues, not only implicitly projects an ideal virtuous character within its texts but also gives clues to the kinds of virtues expected of the reader. A most welcome addition."--Gordon McConville, University of Gloucestershire

"Briggs addresses the important question of what it takes to be a virtuous reader of Scripture. Demonstrating the virtue of 'receptivity,' Briggs develops his answer through close attention to biblical texts and commends as well the virtues of humility, trust, and love. Here is a timely alternative to the dubious virtue of detached objectivity that undermines a true reading of Scripture."--Murray Rae, University of Otago, New Zealand

"Briggs has given us ways to think coherently about achieving that trust in Scripture as Word of God that the text itself enjoins, yet without descending into a naiveté that would undermine the 'tough-minded' critical virtues. A contribution of great value."--David Lyle Jeffrey, Baylor University

"Here Briggs inaugurates an important new quest: thick descriptions of interpretive virtues derived from concrete engagement with biblical texts. Disputes are likely to break out along his readers' way, but Briggs is a careful, well-informed, and thought-provoking guide for the journey."--Daniel J. Treier, Wheaton College

About the Author

Richard S. Briggs (Ph.D., University of Nottingham) is director of biblical studies and hermeneutics at Cranmer Hall, St. John's College, Durham University. He is the author of Words in Action: Speech Act Theory and Biblical Interpretation and Reading the Bible Wisely.

Edition details

• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 080103843X
• ISBN 13: 9780801038433
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 272