A Hermeneutic of Wisdom
- Biblical Studies & Commentaries
- Publisher: Baker Academic (Baker Publishing Group)
- Published: 2018
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Publisher's Description
This book develops an integrated hermeneutic that connects the Bible to spiritual formation and the development of Christian virtues. The author shows how the whole Bible can be understood as a wisdom text that directs its readers morally, shapes them in their deepest affections and convictions, and impacts how they look at the world and live in it. Offering an innovative hermeneutical approach, it will serve as an ideal supplement to standard hermeneutics textbooks.
Endorsements (3)
“As Augustine suggested, the seeker needs wisdom in order to find more of it—to know what one is looking for. Augustine also taught that we need wise mentors to guide us into wisdom. What a help, then, is this treasury of prudential guidance in how to read the Bible, particularly the New Testament, to become wise. From Dryden’s perspective, given God’s communicative agenda, the entire Bible should be considered Wisdom literature that is composed of many subgenres. This book exemplifies ‘formative literature’ that seeks to impact the shape of the reader’s character as well as the reader’s mind.”
“This book is a hermeneutically, theologically, and exegetically powerful way forward for reading New Testament texts as deeply formational and virtue inducing. Dryden helpfully culls insights from hermeneutics, philosophy, and genre analysis to present a vision of the embodied life and wisdom to which Christ calls his disciples. Dryden’s specific readings of New Testament texts helpfully unite both theory and practice. I look forward to using this book with great profit in my own teaching of the New Testament.”
“Dryden’s stimulating volume helps us appreciate a wisdom hermeneutic for reading the Bible. Arguing that the sacred Scriptures were not primarily written to convey abstract doctrines or to create interesting historical-critical puzzles for us to solve, Dryden follows an older path, one far more promising. It was first trod by ancient authors and later advocated by the likes of Augustine in his hermeneutic of love. Following this approach, Dryden believes the Bible is primarily meant for spiritual formation, shaping us so that we might faithfully commune with God and neighbor. As we abide in Christ and he in us, we are shaped by his kingdom values and learn to flourish in God’s world. There is so much wisdom and sanity in these pages! While this book is not written for laity—it is informed by top scholarship and argues with academic integrity—its effect is to give Christian laity their Bible back!”
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