The Eclipse of Biblical Narrative: A Study in Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century Hermeneutics

by Hans W. Frei

Publisher:

Yale University Press

, 1974

Overview

Laced with brilliant insights, broad in its view of the interaction of culture and theology, this book gives new resonance to old and important questions about the meaning of the Bible.

Key Features

• Provides an exploratory and critical analysis of the Biblical narrative
• Explores problems that arose when the explanation and application of the biblical story did not coincide
• Approaches issues that arise concerning meaning and interpretation of the Bible

Praise for The Eclipse of Biblical Narrative

Frei’s book deals with some difficult philosophical texts and is by no means a quick read, but it is a deeply instructive investigation of the history of ideas.

Robert Alter, Wall Street Journal (Five Best Biblical Books)

An impressively detailed survey of the ways in which biblical narrative has been read and understood from Luther to Strauss.

Journal of Ecclesiastical History

Frei traces the change that took place in biblical hermeneutics during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, leading to a loss of the sense of realism in reading the biblical text. Focusing mainly on the creation story and the gospel accounts, Frei writes a very insightful account of the influence of general culture on the theological enterprise. His work will be of interest primarily to the specialist, who cannot afford to ignore Frei’s thesis even if he is unconvinced by all his suggestions.

Christianity Today

Product Details

• Title: The Eclipse of Biblical Narrative: A Study in Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century Hermeneutics
• Author: Hans W. Frei
• Publisher: Yale University Press
• Print Publication Date: 1974
• Logos Release Date: 2021
• Pages: 355
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Bible › Criticism, interpretation, etc.--History--19th century; Bible › Criticism, interpretation, etc.--History--18th century
• ISBNs: 9780300026023, 9780300161809, 0300026021, 0300161808
• Resource ID: LLS:CLPSBBLCHRMNTCS
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-29T22:45:59Z

About Hans W. Frei

Hans W. Frei (1922–1988) was one of the most important American theologians of his generation. He spent the majority of his career teaching at Yale Divinity School, where he authored The Identity of Jesus Christ and The Eclipse of Biblical Narrative, numerous essays, and a vast collection of unpublished works, which have since been published posthumously.