|
Abusing Scripture
Paperback
|
Virtually all Christians recognize the centrality of the Bible to their faith. Yet many Christians misquote and misapply Scripture regularly. Often those who are most passionate about the authority of the Bible are at the greatest loss when it comes to understanding its message clearly and applying it faithfully. Professor Manfred Brauch believes this kind of mistaken interpretation and application of Scripture is a detriment to the integrity of our Christian witness and contributes to profound misunderstandings in Christian belief and practice.
In this practical book written with the non-specialist in mind, Manfred Brauch identifies and corrects a number of basic errors that interpret and apply biblical texts in ways that distorttheir meaning and message. Chapters explore issues of context, genre, consistency, author intent and other important considerations, addressing not just the act of interpretation, but also the attitudes behind the ways we choose to apply Scripture.
Whether you lead a Bible study or small group, are a pastor or Sunday school teacher, are engaged in biblical study at a college or seminary, or are just an everyday Christian who wants to understand how to interpret God's Word well and recognize good interpretation (or the lack therof) when you encounter it, this important book will be an invaluable guide.
Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction
1.The Nature of Scripture
2.The Abuse of the Whole Gospel
3.The Abuse of Selectivity
4.The Abuse of Biblical Balance
5.The Abuse of Words
6.The Abuse of Context: Literaryand Theological
7.The Abuse of Context: Historical Situation and Cultural Reality
8. Concluding Reflections and Challenges
Appendix A: The Gospel of Personal Salvation and the Social Gospel
Appendix B: Views of Women in Intertestimental Judaism and Early Christianity
Appendix C: Just-War Theory
Appendix D: Letter to President Bush from Evangelical Leaders
Appendix E: Expanded Translation/Interpretation of Ephesians 5:21-33
Bibliography
Scripture Index