Reviewing the Chapter

1. According to this chapter, what are the differences between modern biblical interpretation, on the one hand, and ancient and medieval approaches to biblical interpretation, on the other?
2. What is meant by the terms “biblical criticism” and “historical criticism”?
3. What is source criticism, and how has it been used in the study of the Pentateuch and the study of the Synoptic Gospels?
4. Identify the nature and goals of the following modern methods of biblical interpretation: form criticism, tradition criticism, redaction criticism, and social-scientific criticism.
5. What are some of the similarities and differences between modern and postmodern approaches to biblical interpretation, and what are some of the methods that have characteristics of both approaches?
6. Identify three possible approaches to locating meaning in the biblical text. What is the value of each approach? What is the value of employing more than one approach to biblical interpretation?
7. What are some of the principal postmodern approaches to biblical interpretation, and what are the aims of each approach?

Engaging a Central Issue

Respond to the following claim Joel Green makes in this chapter (p. 202): “What might at first seem an unruly mixture of interpretive methods can actually help us in our diverse efforts to read Scripture well.”

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. In what ways, if any, are modern and postmodern methods of reading the Bible similar? What are the chief differences between modern and postmodern methods of reading the Bible?
2. Think about the distinctive roles of authors, texts, and readers. What role is given each of these in redaction criticism? narrative criticism? African American criticism?
3. What new insights about biblical interpretation has this chapter provided for you? What kinds of questions has it generated?
4. Given your present understanding of biblical interpretation, do you think we should prioritize behind-the-text, in-the-text, or in-front-of-the-text approaches? Explain your answer.