Five Things Biblical Scholars Wish Theologians Knew - by Scot McKnight (Paperback)

About the Book

The relationship between biblical studies and theology is often marked by misunderstandings, methodological differences, and cross-discipline tension. With an irenic spirit as well as honesty about differences that remain, New Testament scholar Scot McKnight highlights five things he wishes theologians knew about biblical studies so that these disciplines might once again serve the church hand in hand.

Book Synopsis

The disciplines of biblical studies and theology should serve each other, and they should serve both the church and the academy together. But the relationship between them is often marked by misunderstandings, methodological differences, and cross-discipline tension.

New Testament scholar Scot McKnight here highlights five things he wishes theologians knew about biblical studies. In a companion volume, theologian Hans Boersma reflects on five things he wishes biblical scholars knew about theology.

With an irenic spirit as well as honesty about differences that remain, McKnight and Boersma seek to foster understanding between their disciplines through these books so they might once again collaborate with one another.

Review Quotes

"Biblical scholars often complain about theologians, and theologians often complain about biblical scholars. What is it that biblical scholars would like theologians to know? Who better than Scot McKnight to answer this question? Wise and experienced, McKnight winsomely speaks to our theological colleagues about five things we biblical scholars want them to know, and the result will be better communication and collaboration with our theologian friends. Thank you, Scot, for providing this fascinating and to-the-point analysis."

Tremper Longman III, distinguished scholar and professor emeritus of biblical studies, Westmont College

"Can't you two get along? The Bible scholar and systematician, fists swinging, are siblings that love to hate each other. Not only does this book show how biblical scholarship and theology serve complementary aims, it also highlights the best of recent integrative scholarship. Scot McKnight has delivered a knockout."

Matthew W. Bates, author of Salvation by Allegiance Alone and associate professor of theology at Quincy University

"In the contest of exegesis versus theology, this book offers a way out of methodological shortcomings in both disciplines. Scot's approach unites theological transcendence with historical exegesis and expounds the primacy of Scripture in the context of the church's tradition. Scot is one of the few New Testament scholars who is also conversant in historical theology. Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox readers will find this book to be wise, insightful, and pioneering."

Bradley Nassif, professor of biblical and theological studies at North Park University

"It is greatly encouraging to see scholars bridging the divide between biblical scholars and systematic theologians, as this will only benefit us all in the long run. In this latest volume, Scot McKnight generously and irenically pushes systematictheologians to pay attention to some oft-neglected themes: Scripture itself, exegesis and historical context, narrative, and lived theologies. His is a fair and even-handed appraisal, even giving credit where credit is due to the value of systematics! This volume will be useful for professors and students alike and, happily, will further the pursuit of interdisciplinary engagement."

Lucy Peppiatt, principal of Westminster Theological Centre, United Kingdom, and author of RediscoveringScripture's Vision for Women

"Like siblings who were separated by divorced parents, biblical studies and theology already have much in common but also need to reacquaint themselves with one another. Addressing key issues and key voices, Scot McKnight helps foster a much-needed reconciliation between these two disciplines that often speak in different ways and value different evidence for their conclusions. This conversation is necessary for the vitality of the church and the academy."

Ben C. Blackwell, associate professor of early Christianity at Houston Theological Seminary

"Thankfully, we live in a day when many theologians want to read the Bible carefully and do theology biblically and when many biblical scholars want to read the Bible theologically and do theology carefully. We need to listen to one another with clarity of sight and charity of affection. This book can help us listen better, and we all may benefit from it."

Thomas H. McCall, Tennent Professor of Theology at Asbury Theological Seminary

"This book (and its companion) provides a fascinating insight into theology and biblical studies. In his conversation with theologians, McKnight not only raises important methodological questions but also surveys the field of biblical studies and offers some prospects for its future--making this an important read for theologians and biblical scholars alike."

Madison N. Pierce, assistant professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

"We modern biblical scholars and theologians tend to work away in our separate silos, wishing 'the other team' respected and employed our work as much as we think they should. There are a few important projects that bring some of us together from time to time, but the kind of honest conversation promoted here is generally hard to find. Scot McKnight doesn't presume to provide us with the last word or even the penultimate word for the dialogue. But this is a very important contribution towardgenerating the ongoing conversation that will benefit not only biblical scholars and theologians but, most importantly, the church and its mission."

Roy E. Ciampa, S. Louis and Ann W. Armstrong Chair of Religion and chair of the Department of Biblical and Religious Studies, Samford University

"While biblical and theological studies are like separate tribes, each with its own language, rules, and culture, Scot McKnight begins a friendly conversation with theologians from the biblical studies side, showing how theologians can use the Bible more helpfully in their discipline and contribute positively to his world of biblical studies. McKnight's advice to theologians will hopefully be heard and heeded and contribute to breaking down the self-enclosed silos of divinity studies. This book, combined with the sister volume by Hans Boersma, makes for a great conversation."

Michael F. Bird, academic dean and lecturer in theology at Ridley College in Melbourne, Australia

About the Author

Hans Boersma (PhD, University of Utrecht) is the Order of St. Benedict Servants of Christ Chair in Ascetical Theology at Nashotah House. He is the author of several books, including Seeing God: The Beatific Vision in Christian Tradition, Scripture as Real Presence: Sacramental Exegesis in the Early Church, Sacramental Preaching: Sermons on the Hidden Presence of Christ, and Heavenly Participation: The Weaving of a Sacramental Tapestry. He previously taughtat Regent College in Vancouver, Canada, and he is an ordained deacon in the Anglican Church in North America.

Scot McKnight (PhD, University of Nottingham) is professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary in Lisle, Illinois. He is the author of many books, including Reading Romans Backwards, Pastor Paul, The King Jesus Gospel, and commentarieson James, Galatians, and Colossians. He is also a general editor of the IVP Dictionary of Paul and His Letters, second edition.