Biblical Reasoning: Christological and Trinitarian Rules for Exegesis

This book takes work to read and understand but the benefits are a better understanding of theology and how to read scripture better in light of theology. Those benefits make this book definitely worth your time.

This is a great book to read if you want to have a deeper understanding of scripture.

This book was very interesting and helped shine light on the mystery of the Trinity.

Incredibly helpful resource on reading Scripture exegetically and theologically. Though it might not seem like it, the principles in this book will help you see the glory of God in Scripture. Highly recommended.

How does systematic theology help us better read, understand, and interpret Scripture? In Biblical Reasoning, R. B. Jamieson and Tyler R. Wittman make a compelling and tested case presenting Christological and Trinitarian rules for exegesis.See Jesus by Becoming a DiscipleThe book articulates 7 principles for biblical reasoning — doctrinal rules intrinsic to Scripture that help guide exegesis. Principle 1 begins: “Holy Scripture presupposes and fosters readers whose end is the vision of Christ’s glory, and therein eternal life. Biblical reasoning must be ordered to this same end.” I saw different ways the Biblical text spoke of beholding Christ’s glory, with a note on the link between faith and sight. “Contemplation is a spiritual perception of Scripture’s deepest truths relating to Christ’s glory, in a manner that stirs up delight and conforms us to Christ.”There is connection between becoming a disciple of Jesus and seeing him. This leads to Principle 2: “Everything Scripture says about God is part of God’s meticulous and wise pedagogy, by which God adapts the form of his wisdom to educate finite and fallen creatures o that we might see his glory.” This is how biblical reasoning fits within this larger context of divine teaching. “Since Scripture is the curriculum and God is the teacher, disciples are students.” God’s pedagogy is revealed to be adaptable, gradual, and formative.Principle 3 concludes the first half of the book: “Scripture is the inspired, textual form of Christ’s teaching in which he is present to his people across time and space, leading us toward wisdom.” This means that Scripture must be read as a unity, learning how it forms and presupposes a larger theological vision. I enjoyed learning about the “exactness” and the “pressures” of Scripture.Riveting and ProvocativeThe second part of the book focuses on Christological and Trinitarian rules for exegesis. I read them as case studies that also served to explain their rationale. Rules covered include God-fittingness, what is common and proper to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, inseparable operations, and appropriation of attributes to persons of the Trinity.I was most interested when the principles focused on Christ, and the rules revolved around his personhood. I learned about partitive exegesis, which is how Scripture speaks of Christ in both divine and human terms. Biblical reasoning speaks of “registers” in order to contemplate the whole Christ. Seeing Jesus in this way allows you to speak of him without dividing him.This book is a highly academic book, scholarly in nature yet worshipful throughout. I found the first part riveting, and the second part provocative. This book will challenge the layman and sharpen the pastor-theologian. I feel strengthened in my exegetical skills, ultimately striving for an informed and applicable dogmatic theology. I am better prepared to read Scripture well so I can see Christ more clear.I received a media copy of Biblical Reasoning and this is my honest review.

Jamieson and Wittman have accomplished a very difficult yet productive task: they have gifted us with a set of conceptually fresh yet exegetically sound theological rules for interpreting the Biblical text. These rules clarify specific passages and patterns of language within Scripture. What sets this book apart is its commitment to honoring and developing various aspects of the doctrine of God in concert with its implications for Biblical interpretation. The authors present their ideas in a highly readable and understandable manner, making this book accessible to students of theology and Scripture. Overall, Biblical Reasoning is an impressive achievement that is sure to be appreciated by anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of how Biblical interpretation is connected to a Trinitarian doctrine of God.

This is an excellent work that carefully and concisely outlines theological tools for reading the Scripture's testimony to who God is and what God has done. Helpful starting points and definitions; blend of ancient and contemporary dialogue partners; structured in a way that will be a goldmine for students and a pedagogical toolkit for professors; shows the way that exegesis and theological reflection are configured toward one another.Warmly recommended!

This book is a meaningful contribution to the larger conversation about the relationship between theology and exegesis.