Disciplining Hermeneutics: Interpretation in Christian Perspective

The question of interpretation is as old as language itself. In today's postmodern context, however, the task of hermeneutics has become frustratingly complex. This timely collection of essays by ten leading scholars explores the diversity of contemporary Christian hermeneutical theory and practice. The format of the book consists of a major essay and a response in each of four disciplines - philosophy, English, sociology, and theology - leading to differences in definition and practice, but with the common framework of a Christian perspective. In their insightful handling of the most challenging contemporary issues and literature on interpretive theory, the authors seek to negotiate the narrow straits between absolute certainty and interpretive license. And as they chart the turbulent waters of the postmodern world, they serve as savvy guides to assist us in our difficult passage to the truth.

• Contents
• Importance of hermeneutics for a Christian worldview - Nicholas Wolterstorff
• "To find out what God is saying": reflections on the authorizing of Scripture - I. Howard Marshall
• Post-Kantian reflections on the importance of hermeneutics - Merold Westphal
• Truth, university, and interpretation - Donald Marshall
• Cure of body and soul: interpretation as art and science - Ellen T. Charry
• Sliding in all directions? social hermeneutics from suspicion to retrieval - David Lyon
• Baptizing a social reading: theology, hermeneutics, and post modernity - Willie James Jennings
• Spirit of understanding: special revelation and general hermeneutics - Kevin J. Vanhoozer
• Hermeneutical occasionalism - Dallas Willard