Five Things Biblical Scholars Wish Theologians Knew
Overview
The disciplines of biblical studies and theology should serve each other, and they should serve both the church and the academy together. But the relationship between them is often marked by misunderstandings, methodological differences, and cross-discipline tension.
New Testament scholar Scot McKnight here highlights five things he wishes theologians knew about biblical studies. In a companion volume, theologian Hans Boersma reflects on five things he wishes biblical scholars knew about theology.
With an irenic spirit as well as honesty about differences that remain, in these books McKnight and Boersma seek to foster understanding between their disciplines so they might once again serve hand in hand.
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- Fosters understanding between disciplines so they might once again serve hand in hand
- Explores the relationship between theology and scripture
- Examines five key areas of interest
- Introduction
- Theology Needs a Constant Return to Scripture
- Theology Needs to Know its Impact on Biblical Studies
- Theology Needs Historically-Shaped Biblical Studies
- Theology Needs More Narrative
- Theology Needs to be Lived Theology
- Conclusion
Top Highlights
“Christian theology is a conversation about Scripture, about how to read and interpret it better, how to understand the Bible as a whole and imagine a way of life that is faithful to the God whose Word this is.’” (Page 37)
“living embodiment of that wisdom is that theology comes to us from the church, and hence all good theology is ecclesial” (Page 11)
“our mission and task to represent God on earth to ensure God’s rule is implemented in all creation.” (Page 7)
“ and socio-pragmatics, while the expansive model tends to embrace both in unequal measure” (Page 17)
“) biblicism, (2) crucicentrism, (3) conversionism, and (4) activism.44” (Page 38)
Biblical scholars often complain about theologians, and theologians often complain about biblical scholars. What is it that biblical scholars would like theologians to know? Who better than Scot McKnight to answer this question? Wise and experienced, McKnight winsomely speaks to our theological colleagues about five things we biblical scholars want them to know, and the result will be better communication and collaboration with our theologian friends. Thank you, Scot, for providing this fascinating and to-the-point analysis.
—Tremper Longman III, distinguished scholar and professor emeritus of biblical studies, Westmont College
It is greatly encouraging to see scholars bridging the divide between biblical scholars and systematic theologians, as this will only benefit us all in the long run. In this latest volume, Scot McKnight generously and irenically pushes systematic theologians to pay attention to some oft-neglected themes: Scripture itself, exegesis and historical context, narrative, and lived theologies. His is a fair and even-handed appraisal, even giving credit where credit is due to the value of systematics! This volume will be useful for professors and students alike and, happily, will further the pursuit of interdisciplinary engagement.
—Lucy Peppiatt, principal of Westminster Theological Centre, United Kingdom, and author of Rediscovering Scripture’s Vision for Women
While biblical and theological studies are like separate tribes, each with its own language, rules, and culture, Scot McKnight begins a friendly conversation with theologians from the biblical studies side, showing how theologians can use the Bible more helpfully in their discipline and contribute positively to his world of biblical studies. McKnight’s advice to theologians will hopefully be heard and heeded and contribute to breaking down the self-enclosed silos of divinity studies. This book, combined with the sister volume by Hans Boersma, makes for a great conversation.
—Michael F. Bird, academic dean and lecturer in theology at Ridley College in Melbourne, Australia
- Title: Five Things Biblical Scholars Wish Theologians Knew
- Author: Scot McKnight
- Publisher: IVP Academic
- Print Publication Date: 2021
- Logos Release Date: 2021
- Pages: 166
- Era: era:contemporary
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
- Subjects: Theology; Bible › Criticism, interpretation, etc
- ISBNs: 9780830855179, 9780830849352, 0830855173, 0830849351
- Resource ID: LLS:FVTHNGSTHLGNKNW
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T00:09:47Z
Scot McKnight is a theologian who has focused most of his writings on the New Testament and the historical Jesus. He is currently a professor of New Testament at Northern Baptist Theological Seminary in Lombard, IL. He earned a B.A. degree from Grand Rapids Baptist College (now Cornerstone University), an M.A. degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and a Ph.D. from the University of Nottingham.
McKnight is a member of the Society Biblical Literature and the Society for New Testament Studies. He has written and edited many award-winning books. He has over 25 books to his name, including Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, the volumes on Galatians and 1 Peter in the NIV Application Commentary, and A New Vision for Israel: The Teaching of Jesus in National Context.