Biblical Exegesis and the Formation of Christian Culture

by Frances Young

Publisher:

Baker Academic

, 2002

Overview

In this study of the influence of the late ancient educational system on patristic biblical exegesis, simplistic reductions to discrete methods (moral, typological, allegorical) and schools (Alexandrian, Antiochene) give way to a more nuanced appreciation. Professor Young's lucid study shows how early Christians used the interpretive tools of Greco-Roman culture to build an alternative Christian culture on the basis of the biblical text.

Key Features

• Offers a thorough, synthetic overview of the development of patristic exegesis
• Attempts to reconfigure the standard outlines of patristic exegesis of the Bible
• Presents selective material and presupposes acquaintance with earlier work

Contents

Exegesis and the Unity of the Scriptures

• Reception and appropriation
• The mind of scripture

The Bible as Classic

• Cultures and literatures
• The advent of scholarship
• Bible and culture

Language and Reference

• Reference and cross-reference
• The sacrament of language
• Allegoria and theoria

The Bible and the Life of Faith

• The context of interpretation
• The life of faith
• The theologian as exegete
• The theologian as exegete

Praise for Biblical Exegesis and the Formation of Christian Culture

In the present revival of interest in early Christian biblical interpretation, Frances Young's book stands out, head and shoulders, over everything else currently available in English. She offers us at once a thorough, synthetic overview of the development of patristic exegesis and a wise and thoughtful assessment of its theological and cultural importance. For its rich detail and for its wider narrative, the book has no competitors.

--Brian E. Daley, SJ, University of Notre Dame

Frances Young’s study significantly alters the traditional map of patristic scriptural interpretation. Moving beyond the simple allegory vs. literalism dichotomy, she insightfully examines the much wider spectrum of reading strategies actually used by both Alexandrines and Antiochenes. This is a major study by a scholar accomplished in both patristics and New Testament studies.

--Margaret M. Mitchell, The University of Chicago

Product Details

• Title: Biblical Exegesis and the Formation of Christian Culture
• Author: Frances Young
• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Print Publication Date: 2002
• Pages: 340
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
• Resource ID: LLS:BBLCLXGCHRSCLTR
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-02-07T20:25:35Z

About Frances Young

Frances Young is emeritus professor of theology and formerly pro-vice-chancellor at the University of Birmingham. Her recent publications include Brokenness and Blessing: Towards a Biblical Spirituality, From Nicaea to Chalcedon: A Guide to the Literature and Its Background, and God’s Presence: A Contemporary Recapitulation of Early Christianity.