Reading Responsibly

Reading Responsibly: A Guide to Biblical Interpretation focuses on two key areas: methods and ethics of interpretation. The book introduces, explains, and guides students in the understanding and application of particular methods commonly used by biblical scholars in the study of the Bible. The methods discussed focus on historical, literary, and reader-oriented aspects of biblical interpretation. The attention to ethics occurs mainly in the last chapter. Because the Bible is an extremely influential book, it often motivates people to act in beneficial or harmful ways. The focus on love for others motivates charitable giving or actions designed to help others. Emphasis on God's wrath may lead to exclusivism and even violence. Readings leading to disrespect and mental or physical abuse, stem from an irresponsible use of the Bible. Responsible readings give full consideration to the text in its proper context and never call for action that is inconsistent with love and justice.

This book introduces, explains, and guides students in the understanding and application of particular methods commonly used by biblical scholars in the study of the Bible, focusing on two key areas: methods and ethics of interpretation.

IntroductionChapter One: The Bible and Its InterpretersChapter Two: Understanding the Bible HistoricallyChapter Three: A Brief History of Biblical TimesChapter Four: Basic Historical ApproachChapter Five: Introduction to the Historical Critical MethodsChapter Six: Source CriticismChapter Seven: Form CriticismChapter Eight: Redaction CriticismChapter Nine: Sociological Studies of Biblical TextsChapter Ten: Historical Versus Literary ReadingsChapter Eleven: The Basic Literary ApproachChapter Twelve: Narrative CriticismChapter Thirteen: Postmodern ApproachesChapter Fourteen: Rhetorical CriticismChapter Fifteen: Reader ResponseChapter Sixteen: DeconstructionChapter Seventeen: Ideological ApproachesChapter Eighteen: Theopoetics and the Renewing Power of Metaphor by Robert A. WhiteChapter Nineteen: Reading Responsibly