Contextual Theological Interpretation: An Integrated Model for Reading the Bible - Paperback

by Bo H. Lim (Author)

Today's theological students, an increasingly diverse population, face the task of reading and interpreting the Bible in multicultural contexts, which leads them to ask somewhat different questions than students of previous generations. Students recognize that theology, exegesis, and sociocultural context are all important elements of biblical interpretation, and they often seek guidance in negotiating these fields in a constructive manner. This is especially true of students with evangelical and Trinitarian convictions and commitments.

Contextual Theological Interpretation by respected teacher and Old Testament scholar Bo Lim provides sustained, thoughtful engagement among the three disciplines of biblical studies, theology, and contextual interpretation. In this big-picture text, Lim argues for the need to bring together the strengths of each of these fields and provides a model for doing so for the sake of effective multicultural ministry. At the same time, he clarifies the field of contextual biblical interpretation, offering evaluation and critique to guide students through the vast diversity of available literature.

Back Jacket

"A more attentive, critical, and reverent way of engaging the sacred texts and traditions of Christianity"

This book argues for the importance of both theological interpretation of Scripture and contextual readings, offering explanation and critique of a variety of interpretive methods and casting a vision for a way forward in biblical interpretation.

"How should Christians from diverse cultural backgrounds read the Bible well in today's world? Lim maps the way ahead clearly, thoughtfully, and searchingly. An important book."
--Walter Moberly, Durham University (emeritus)

"An informed challenge for the usual practice of theological interpretation of Scripture to embrace the important contributions of global voices. There is much food for thought here!"
--M. Daniel Carroll R. (Rodas), Wheaton College

"A sweeping and insightful assessment of the current landscape of biblical studies. Lim ultimately advocates for an integrative model of biblical interpretation while remaining attentive to its inherent limitations. A much-welcomed resource."
--Chloe T. Sun, Fuller Theological Seminary

"Lim shows us what contextual theological interpretation looks like, where both words--context and theology--do work helping Christians faithfully interpret Scripture. Smart, wise, remarkably learned, and much needed."
--Jonathan Tran, Duke Divinity School

"Although scholars are not Lim's intended audience, any serious biblical studies student intrigued by the intersection of context, theology, and culture as essentials in the interpretive process will find this timely resource invaluable."
--Emerson B. Powery, Messiah University

"This book represents a real advance for theological interpreters of Scripture who want to serve the church."
--Stephen Fowl, Church Divinity School of the Pacific

"This is a book my students have been longing for, and I will definitely use it in my courses."
--Janette H. Ok, Fuller Theological Seminary

"This volume can help promote a more attentive, critical, and reverent way of engaging the sacred texts and traditions of Christianity."
--Daniel Castelo, Duke Divinity School

Author Biography

Bo H. Lim (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is professor of Old Testament at Seattle Pacific University in Seattle, Washington, where he served as university chaplain from 2014-2018. He teaches and writes on the topics of Old Testament prophetic literature, theological interpretation, and Asian American biblical interpretation. His publications include a commentary on Hosea and essays in The Scripture and Hermeneutics Seminar, The Oxford Handbook of the Minor Prophets, and the T&T Clark Handbook to Asian American Biblical Hermeneutics. He also serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Theological Interpretation.