2 Comments so far

1. Vangelicmonk on October 12, 2007 2:55 pm

   When I read this interview two years ago when his book came out I found his ideas similar to my own, but still distinct. I agree with him on many points.

   I don’t know the history of exegesis, but it seems many of the views on it have been integrated in the textbooks I am using now to learn about exegeiting the text.

   As far as distinctives goes. I certianly agree with him that certian denominations will interpret a text based on what they know (their theological prism). However, I don’t agree with him about the “why.” I don’t think it is necessarily “bad exegesis.” I think there are certain areas of scripture that are not fully clear. Therefore, it is reasonable for a Christian to make inductive leaps and theories about their meaning. Again he is right. We as western theologians do not like tension, but clear logical answers. Thus, we tend to force the answers that fit within our theological mold.

   However, this is not a bad thing as long as it doesn’t become an essential, lead to division within the Christian Body, or contradict a clear essential of the faith that comes from the most clear teachings and passages in Scripture. We must be graceful and humble in our distinctives and fervent on the essentials of the faith.

   -Ted.

2. Joanie D on October 13, 2007 6:37 am

   http://benwitherington.blogspot.com/

   I particularly liked his entry on 9-26-07 which he titles, “What our Stories Tell Us– Part II- 2007 Holiness Lectures.”

   One of the things he says is:
   “Here’s the issue in a nutshell: we cannot release ourselves from the heavy responsibility of self-defense until we catch a full vision of the God who actually loves us all the way, and who is for us all the way. And who is good, all the way to the bottom. We can “surrender” all we want, but I suspect that it is psychologically and spiritually impossible to surrender fully to someone we are afraid of.”

   He gives ideas as to how we can make ourselves available to receive the grace that God freely gives to us and that we don’t have to earn.

   Joanie D.