Kevin B. Burr

The Place of the Past

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“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.”