Fee, Gordon D., and Douglas Stuart, 2003. How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
INTRODUCTION
Fee and Stuart are two professors who share in the development of a tool, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth, with expertise in New Testament and Old Testament studies, respectively. The writers take the perspective that handling the Word of God properly is significant and that the reader of Scriptures needs some understanding of how to interpret what he or she reads in the Bible. This perspective assumes that one in the cultural context in which he or she lives, will often misinterpret was the Scriptures say.
PROACTIVE QUESTIONS
My review of this book led me to ask the following questions:
1. What do the authors present their case in the sequence they use?
Rationale for Question: In viewing the table of contents of Fee and Stuart’s How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth, I noted that unlike other materials I have seen that generally present their case for study of the Bible in either a chronologically based sequence of Scripture in the canon or in the time-line of events. Fee and Stuart use neither of these approaches.
I discover that Fee and Stuart are impressing significant points for a proper exegesis of Scripture. They begin with discussion concerning the epistles for a utilitarian reason: the epistles are easiest to gain a clearer interpretation. Fee and Stuart set out also a framework for first thinking contextually and then drawing rules for a good hermeneutical perspective. Thus, it is that each successive chapter deals with an increasingly more difficult portion and writing genre of the Bible, beginning with the epistles through to the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
2. How is this work helpful to understanding the Word of God?
Rationale for Question: My ministry involves both the preaching and teaching of God’s Word. I need materials that will assist me in interpreting and leading others in interpreting the Scripture “for all its worth.”
The Bible is a collection of writings from centuries of human experience and God’s revelation set in a number of genres. The Bible is an ancient book, although clearing the Word of God with powerful truths, yet demands to be handled in a thoughtful and attentive manner. Fee and Stuart are sensitive to this reality and provide insights in particular writing genres and textual challenges we face. Significant to their argument and subsequent discussion is the use of a good translation of Scripture. I find it helpful to look at several translations and determine similarities and differences. In the differences, then, is the need to delve deeper to see if there is reasonable background for the variance. Fee and Stuart actually offer an index of Scripture to review passages, as well, that have some contextual issues.
3. How can we know which aspects of popular culture are not against Scripture and which are?
Rationale for Question: I am confronted often whether a Christian should or can be involved in dance or whether or not a young person should get a tattoo.
There are obvious restrictions laid out in Scripture (both Old Testament and New) that are not fully observed in most mainline Christian people, today. Though, some do take a strict observance to what the Bible says regarding women and ministry, head adornment, hair length and other aspects outline in the Bible. The challenge is for those who follow Jesus to know what is permissible and honoring to God and what is not. Fee and Stuart approach these passages with an call for the reader and interpreter of Scripture to study the historical implications of the passage, reach for an overshadowing principle that would apply to the hearers of the original text and apply in the culture of today, but perhaps with a different outcome in specific actions and then look for uniform teachings with other passages. In other words, does the issue appear in another portion of Scripture when listing commands or sinful behaviors? If not, then perhaps the issue is related to a cultural perspective that may not be related to today. This certainly feels dangerous to me, yet how else can we determine the heart of the Gospel and the life the believe should live?
SUMMARY OR SYNTHESIS
I bring a mixed reaction to this writing. I found How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth to have great significance in the reflections and writings concerning each genre of Scripture. The “meat” of the writing was excellent. I was a little disappointed in portions of the book focused on selecting a good translation. I appreciate knowing the challenges of some of the “old reliable” version(s) of Scripture, yet there are many with whom I encounter in ministry who are endeared to the King James Version of Scripture. In my context, I must gently guide them into seeing the problems of some Scripture translations. I usually read several translations and paraphrased versions of Scripture in my personal study and preparation for my sermons. To help my brothers and sisters in Christ, I am willing to share perspectives from the KJV in my messages and when appropriate open hearts and minds to literal translations and textual variances.
INTRODUCTION
Fee and Stuart are two professors who share in the development of a tool, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth, with expertise in New Testament and Old Testament studies, respectively. The writers take the perspective that handling the Word of God properly is significant and that the reader of Scriptures needs some understanding of how to interpret what he or she reads in the Bible. This perspective assumes that one in the cultural context in which he or she lives, will often misinterpret was the Scriptures say.
PROACTIVE QUESTIONS
My review of this book led me to ask the following questions:
1. What do the authors present their case in the sequence they use?
Rationale for Question: In viewing the table of contents of Fee and Stuart’s How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth, I noted that unlike other materials I have seen that generally present their case for study of the Bible in either a chronologically based sequence of Scripture in the canon or in the time-line of events. Fee and Stuart use neither of these approaches.
I discover that Fee and Stuart are impressing significant points for a proper exegesis of Scripture. They begin with discussion concerning the epistles for a utilitarian reason: the epistles are easiest to gain a clearer interpretation. Fee and Stuart set out also a framework for first thinking contextually and then drawing rules for a good hermeneutical perspective. Thus, it is that each successive chapter deals with an increasingly more difficult portion and writing genre of the Bible, beginning with the epistles through to the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
2. How is this work helpful to understanding the Word of God?
Rationale for Question: My ministry involves both the preaching and teaching of God’s Word. I need materials that will assist me in interpreting and leading others in interpreting the Scripture “for all its worth.”
The Bible is a collection of writings from centuries of human experience and God’s revelation set in a number of genres. The Bible is an ancient book, although clearing the Word of God with powerful truths, yet demands to be handled in a thoughtful and attentive manner. Fee and Stuart are sensitive to this reality and provide insights in particular writing genres and textual challenges we face. Significant to their argument and subsequent discussion is the use of a good translation of Scripture. I find it helpful to look at several translations and determine similarities and differences. In the differences, then, is the need to delve deeper to see if there is reasonable background for the variance. Fee and Stuart actually offer an index of Scripture to review passages, as well, that have some contextual issues.
3. How can we know which aspects of popular culture are not against Scripture and which are?
Rationale for Question: I am confronted often whether a Christian should or can be involved in dance or whether or not a young person should get a tattoo.
There are obvious restrictions laid out in Scripture (both Old Testament and New) that are not fully observed in most mainline Christian people, today. Though, some do take a strict observance to what the Bible says regarding women and ministry, head adornment, hair length and other aspects outline in the Bible. The challenge is for those who follow Jesus to know what is permissible and honoring to God and what is not. Fee and Stuart approach these passages with an call for the reader and interpreter of Scripture to study the historical implications of the passage, reach for an overshadowing principle that would apply to the hearers of the original text and apply in the culture of today, but perhaps with a different outcome in specific actions and then look for uniform teachings with other passages. In other words, does the issue appear in another portion of Scripture when listing commands or sinful behaviors? If not, then perhaps the issue is related to a cultural perspective that may not be related to today. This certainly feels dangerous to me, yet how else can we determine the heart of the Gospel and the life the believe should live?
SUMMARY OR SYNTHESIS
I bring a mixed reaction to this writing. I found How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth to have great significance in the reflections and writings concerning each genre of Scripture. The “meat” of the writing was excellent. I was a little disappointed in portions of the book focused on selecting a good translation. I appreciate knowing the challenges of some of the “old reliable” version(s) of Scripture, yet there are many with whom I encounter in ministry who are endeared to the King James Version of Scripture. In my context, I must gently guide them into seeing the problems of some Scripture translations. I usually read several translations and paraphrased versions of Scripture in my personal study and preparation for my sermons. To help my brothers and sisters in Christ, I am willing to share perspectives from the KJV in my messages and when appropriate open hearts and minds to literal translations and textual variances.
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