While there are many books on hermeneutics, Graeme Goldsworthy's perception is that evangelical contributions often do not give sufficient attention to the vital relationship between hermeneutics and theology, both systematic and biblical.
In Gospel-Centered Hermeneutics, Goldsworthy moves beyond a reiteration of the usual arguments to concentrate on the theological questions of presuppositions, and the implications of the Christian gospel for hermeneutics. In doing so, he brings fresh perspectives on some well-worn pathways.
Part I examines the foundations and presuppositions of evangelical belief, particularly with regard to biblical interpretation.
Part II offers a selective overview of important hermeneutical developments from the sub-apostolic age to the present, as a means of identifying some significant influences that have been alien to the gospel.
Part III evaluates ways and means of reconstructing truly gospel-centered hermeneutics.
Goldsworthy's aim throughout is to commend the much-neglected role of biblical theology in hermeneutical practice, with pastoral concern for the people of God as they read, interpret and seek to live by his written Word.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
Worth the Work:
Most pastors may secretly be glad that they can leave the formal study of hermeneutics behind in seminary. "Hermeneutics," after all, is not a word that is especially useful to common pastoral discourse. Drop that one in a conversation or sermon and people are likely to respond, "Herman who?!" However, since one of the primary vocations of the pastor is to interpret and apply the Word of God to the People of God, hermeneutics is never really left behind. We all have presuppositions and ideas which control... more info
Great Resource for Literature and Theology:
Great Resource for those studying Literature and Theology. A long time faculty member of Moore Theological College, Sydney, Graeme Goldsworthy is a biblical scholar of justifiable repute - his other books including "According to Plan" and "Gospel and Kingdom" explain biblical theology clearly and (as much as is possible) simply. Hermeneutics - an important sounding word for the ideas surrounding "interpretation" - is central to the study of literature also, and I have found this book a valuable resource to... more info
Excellent Biblical Resource:
Rarely have I read a book that I so resonated with and enjoyed as Dr. Goldworthy's Gospel-Centered Hermeneutics. In this Biblical, clear, and systematized survey of hermeneutics, the author not only laid the Scriptural and presuppositional basis of thought, but also thoroughly addresses a myriad of topics in an extremely organized and lucid manner. In the first part of his book, the evangelical prolegomena to hermeneutics, the author not only provides an impetus, motivation, and explanation of... more info
Well Written Overview:
Goldsworthy has set forth an overview of protestant hermeneutics using his biblical theological method. Much of the work is plowing through difficult areas of thought that are generally ignored in the discussion. Such works do not tend to be scintillating reading. So while other reviewers have marked this down because of this, I would remind the reader that books on hermeneutics as a general rule are not the most entertaining books.
