WISE READERS AND READING WISELY: THEMES, PRACTIONERS AND EXEGESES IN THEOLOGICAL INTERPRETATION OF SCRIPTURE

Abstract

This thesis contributes to notions in the theological interpretation of Scripture (TIS) movement (1990s-), by drawing out emerging themes of its interpretative practices in a framework of understanding in theological hermeneutics. The themes examined include the subject matter of Scripture, scriptural interpretation in relation to the historical-critical discipline, and location in relation to the church when it comes to interpretative practice. Both philosophical insights and practical entailments for interpretive practice are discussed, as issues in the themes are explored through selected representative arguments by TIS proponents. Because practice involves more than just method, the creative skills of three selected theological interpreters – Daniel Treier, Richard Briggs and Frances Young – are analysed in relation to the three identified themes. A closer look at sustained examples of their theological exegeses provides insights to theological interpretation as practiced in postmodernity, in continuous and innovative ways according to a broadly construed rule of faith in Christianity. Lastly, encapsulating this approach which is at once critical and imaginative is the notion of wisdom. Wisdom as discussed in this thesis covers aspects of understanding and life practice as the goal of interpreting Scripture. A thesis on interpretive practice is incomplete without an exemplification of what has been discussed. What wisdom is as depicted in Scripture, and how it might be lived out, is the concern of the final part of the thesis. Proverbs 8:22-31, Job 28 in the context of the book of Job and James 3:13-18 are exegeted and an account of wisdom is construed from these passages.