The Place of the Past
Historical Criticism’s Role in Biblical Studies
- Biblical Studies & Commentaries
- Publisher: Cascade Books (Wipf and Stock)
- Published: 2025
FritzSearch.com earns a commission on purchases made through Bookshop.org links.
Publisher's Description
For decades, biblical scholars have remained divided about the role of historical criticism in biblical interpretation. On the one hand, the tools for knowing about the text, people, and world of the Bible continue to grow and intrigue readers. On the other hand, theologians, literary critics, postmodern philosophers, and others have argued that historical criticism either misses the point of the Bible or can never arrive at a desired understanding of the text. This book seeks to reengage both sides of this chasm by demonstrating what historical criticism can contribute to biblical exegesis and how it might be responsibly done.
Endorsements (4)
“This book is timely and needed in the current discourse among students and scholars of the Bible. In a comprehensive defense of historical criticism, the author skillfully shows what scholars of the past fifty years have gotten wrong about the past. Without ditching the newer methods developed since the mid- to late-twentieth century, Holland draws on a wealth of knowledge in philosophy, history, and biblical scholarship to show the necessity of historical criticism for biblical studies today. His ‘principles’ drawn from philosophy and the guild of historical studies broadly offer concrete suggestions by which historical criticism should move forward constructively. None of us working today in biblical studies can afford to ignore this important volume.”
““This book is a useful overview of the methodological status quo of historical criticism vis-a-vis overtly synchronic and ideological approaches. It also offers a defense for the continuing value of historical criticism in dialogue and collaboration with other approaches. Well written and easily accessible. Recommended for all interested readers.”
“There’s a generation of biblical scholars who have been taught to view historical criticism with either extreme skepticism or outright disdain. Truth be told, there are legitimate reasons for this. However, Holland’s work clarifies just how much of an overcorrection this is. By beginning with the early church, and plotting developments across major intellectual eras, Holland shows how historical concerns have always existed and how they came to dominate. Yet the beauty of this work is that Holland plots a way forward, emphasizing that the valuable tools of historical criticism can be redeemed and utilized in an edifying manner. This is an insightful work, born out of Holland’s own experiences and intellectual developments.”
“As both a proponent and practitioner of historical critical approaches to biblical texts, I wholeheartedly appreciate Holland’s nuanced treatment of the contributions and limits of historical criticism. Like any ancient text (biblical or otherwise), historical criticism itself has a history of transmission and development; and, as with any ancient text (biblical or otherwise), knowing the history of transmission and the worlds from which historical criticism arose is exceedingly beneficial—and necessary—if we, as Holland has capably argued, are to respect what ancient authors and communities have said about their experiences with God. Is there a place for historical criticism today? I believe there is, and I happily recommend Holland’s fine book to those who think the study of the past is passé.”
See something wrong on this page? Report a problem