Sanctified Vision: An Introduction to Early Christian Interpretation of the Bible

John J. O Keefe

ISBN 10: 0801880882 / ISBN 13: 9780801880889

Published by Johns Hopkins University Press, 2005

About this Item

Within this analytic framework, the authors explain the larger structure of patristic exegesis and argue for the importance of this structure in the emergence of Christian orthodoxy. Num Pages: 176 pages, black & white illustrations. BIC Classification: HRCG. Category: (G) General (US: Trade). Dimension: 227 x 155 x 12. Weight in Grams: 1306. . 2005. Paperback. . . . . Books ship from the US and Ireland.

Seller Inventory # V9780801880889

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Sanctified Vision: An Introduction to Early Christian Interpretation of the Bible
• Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press
• Publication Date: 2005
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0801880882
• ISBN 13: 9780801880889
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

In Sanctified Vision John J. O'Keefe and R. R. Reno explain the structure and logic of the early Church fathers' interpretations of the Bible. These interpretations are considered foundational to the development of Christianity as a religion and offer insight into how the early church fathers thought about Christian doctrine and practice. By analyzing selected portions of patristic exegesis, the authors illustrate specific reading techniques employed by the church fathers to expound the meaning they believed intrinsic to biblical texts.

This approach is organized around three basic analytic strategies: literal, typological, and allegorical. The literal strategy is an intensive and broad analysis that identifies particular word associations that intensify scriptural meaning. The typological strategy interprets distinct patterns of events within scripture and applies those patterns to other events in scripture and the history of the church. The allegorical approach to biblical reading, like the topological strategy, seeks patterns in the text, but these patterns are more diverse and represent larger themes or beliefs of the early church.

Within this analytic framework, the authors explain the larger structure of patristic exegesis and argue for the importance of this structure in the emergence of Christian orthodoxy.

About the Author

John J. O'Keefe is an associate professor of theology at Creighton University.