Scripture First

Biblical Interpretation that Fosters Christian Unity

Daniel B. Oden, J. David Stark

• Publisher: Abilene Christian University Press
• Year: 2020
• Print ISBN: 9781684260911
• eBook ISBN: 9781684269501
• Topic: Theology & Religion
• Subtopic: Biblical Criticism & Interpretation

How does Scripture read Scripture, and can the church follow that lead?
Scripture or tradition? The things of God or the things of men? It's easy, especially in the long shadow of the Reformation, to pit Scripture against tradition as enemies. After all, the goal of orienting one's faith to the Bible alone can be so alluring.
But the Bible itself suggests there is a fundamental unity between Scripture and the tradition it embodies. Rightly appreciating this unity can set the stage for more faithful and robust engagement with Scripture. Today's polarized world needs thoughtful Christians who can reasonably consider their faith in light of what the Bible actually says.
Scripture First examines where tradition comes from and how you can avoid trivial proof texting. Discover how the Old and New Testament can serve as a living and active resource for Christian life, and how God continues to leads his people as they engage his Word.

Table of contents

• Cover Page
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Contents
• Foreword
• Introduction
• 1 Creedal Expressions and Their Development in the Hebrew Bible
• 2 Understanding Scripture through Apostolic Proclamation
• 3 Ecclesial Unity, Biblical Interpretation, and the Rule of Faith
• 4 Resisting the Primitivist Temptation
• 5 Reading Scripture Baptismally
• 6 Beyond Sola Scriptura: An Expanded View of Textual Inspiration
• About the Contributors
• Index