Biblical Criticism in Crisis?
The Impact of the Canonical Approach on Old Testament Studies

The book offers a comprehensive critique of the canonical approach.

Mark G. Brett (Author)

9780521047487, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 3 January 2008

252 pages
21.6 x 14.1 x 1.5 cm, 0.342 kg

"As a thoughtful and thorough evaluation of the canonical approach in biblical studies, this book is without peer." Bibliotheca Sacra

This book suggests that Old Testament scholars should strengthen their growing links with neighbouring academic disciplines and encourage a number of interpretative interests within biblical studies. Given such a pluralistic context, the author's contention is that the 'canonical' approach to Old Testament study will have a distinctive contribution to make to the discipline without necessarily displacing other traditions of historical and literary inquiry, as many scholars have assumed. Dr Brett offers a comprehensive critique of the canonical approach as developed by Brevard Childs, and examines the development of Childs's exegetical practice, his hermeneutical theory, and the many critical responses which his work has elicited. In responding to these criticisms, the author examines the most problematic aspects of the canonical approach (notably Childs's inadequate reply to those who emphasize the ideological conflicts that lie behind biblical texts in their final form) and seeks to reconstruct the approach in light of contemporary discussions of interpretation in literary theory and the social sciences.

Acknowledgements
List of abbreviations
Introduction: setting the scene
1. Distinguishing interpretative interests
2. The development of canonical exegesis
3. 'Introduction' and Old Testament theology
4. Has Childs fallen into Gabler's ditch?
5. Textual intentions and histories of reception
6. The future of the canonical approach
Notes
Bibliography
Bibliographical key to the works of Brevard S. Childs
Index of Old Testament references
Index of subjects
Index of authors.

Subject Areas: Biblical studies & exegesis [HRCG]