Participatory Biblical Exegesis: A Theology of Biblical Interpretation

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READING THE SCRIPTURES Gary A. Anderson, Matthew Levering, and Robert Louis Wilken, Series Editors PARTICIPATORY BiblicalExegesis A Theology of Biblical Interpretation MAT THEW LEVERING “Here one of the most prolific young Catholic theologians offers a stimulating diagnosis of what’s missing from contemporary perspectives on biblical interpretation . Levering’s focus on properly understanding the nature of ‘history ’ can reorient not only Catholic interpreters but also other traditions, without denying the legitimate value of critical scholarship. His nuanced recovery of the church’s classic wisdom abounds with theological richness and spiritual encouragement.” —Daniel J. Treier, Wheaton College “This book presents an authoritative case for the reintegration of history and participation. Biblical interpretation, Levering claims, cannot rely on a purely linear view of history; instead, exegetes can only grasp the contents of the biblical text inasmuch as they participate in the faith of the Church. His sacramental hermeneutic, as well as his masterful display of scholarship, marks Levering as the true heir of Henri de Lubac, the great twentieth-century advocate of spiritual interpretation. This volume ought to function as a touchstone both for Protestant and for Catholic approaches to sacred doctrine.” —Hans Boersma, J. I. Packer Professor of Theology, Regent College In Participatory Biblical Exegesis, Matthew Levering examines the changing views of history that distinguish patristic and medieval biblical exegesis from modern historical-critical exegesis. He argues for a delicate interpretive balance in which history is understood both as a process that participates in God’s creative and redemptive presence and as a set of linear moments. He identifies a split between theological and historical interpretations of Scripture beginning in the high Middle Ages and offers a vision of Scripture that is rooted in the exegetical practice of St. Thomas Aquinas and his sources but embraces historical-critical research as well. ______________ MATTHEW LEVERING is associate professor of theology at Ave Maria University . He has published numerous books, including Christ’s Fulfillment of Torah and Temple: Salvation according to Thomas Aquinas (University of Notre Dame Press, 2002). UniversityofNotreDamePress Notre Dame, IN 46556 www.undpress.nd.edu PARTICIPATORY Biblical Exegesis A Theology of Biblical Interpretation M AT T H E W L E V E R I N G University of Notre Dame Press Notre Dame, Indiana ...