With insight and passion, Dr. Cone lays the foundation for the theological method he advocates by placing it squarely in the center of biblical theology, establishing that context effectively, and wrapping it all up in the literal-grammatical-historical method of hermeneutics. As he develops this context, Dr. Cone shows that biblical theology bears a vital relationship to philosophy, science, epistemology, and worldview. Dr. Cone develops his thesis around four pillars, which form the main body of his work: • The existence of the biblical God. • God’s authoritative self-revelation to man. • Natural-man’s incapacity to comprehend God’s revelation. • A consistent hermeneutic. Although all four pillars are important, the fourth pillar provides the real meat of the work by advocating a consistently literal hermeneutic as a means for understanding and developing the truths in the other three pillars and as the only hermeneutic that can correctly interpret Scripture and exegete truth from the biblical text. In addition, the book contains an extensive bibliography for further study.
“philosophy is love of wisdom, and as the Proverbist tells us, ‘The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom’” (Page 11)
“Biblical theology asserts to be fundamental truth, it must be seen as ultimately governing science, and thus provides the proper framework of worldview with which to begin scientific study.” (Page 15)
“Self-glorification (Rom. 11:36), in perhaps the same manner as the symphony reflects the skill of the composer, the masterpiece reflects the brilliance of the painter, and the piercing words reflect the heart of the poet. God’s overarching revealed purpose in all things is to bring glory to Himself. Ps. 86:9–10—the nations shall glorify Him because of His great deeds. Rev. 15:3–4—the deeds reveal His holiness and glory. All God’s works function in concert to achieve this, His doxological purpose12—that is, His Self-glorification.” (Page 7)
“there is therefore no higher purpose for man but to glorify God—this is indeed man’s chief end.” (Page 7)
“proper theology should be the guiding light for philosophical pursuit, and not vice versa” (Page 12)