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Essay / How to Read the Bible for Its Full Value - 2579
Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart, authors of How to Read the Bible for Its Full Value, have written an easy-to-read book for those who want to learn more. about what the Bible has to offer. The authors present distinct principles for interpreting the different genres found in the Bible. The book has sold more than half a million copies and is one of the most popular books on biblical interpretation. Fee is a professor in the New Testament Studies Seminar at Regent College. He is the author of several commentaries on the New Testament and is the general editor of the New International Commentary series. Fee has also contributed significantly to the field of NT hermeneutics and textual criticism. The author is a well-known teacher and speaker who has the responsibility to see to the renewal of the Church. Stuart is a professor at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary where he teaches Old Testament studies. He also has expertise in biblical languages, exegesis and interpretation. He is senior pastor of Linebrook Church in Ipswich, Massachusetts. Stuart is the author of commentaries and articles in journals and magazines. The authors acknowledge that many books have been written on this subject. Their goal is to be unique by focusing on different types of literature (genres) so that their readers understand how to interpret them correctly in the context in which they were written. This review will examine the principles used by the authors to interpret the Bible. The review will summarize the book, followed by a critique and conclusion.SummaryFrom the very beginning of the book, Fee and Stuart seek to explain the importance of good biblical interpretation. The authors offer hermeneutical approaches to the study of different...... middle of article...... they continue to explain that prophecies do not need to be fulfilled in one way specific. For example, they explain that the first four trumpet judgments in Revelation do not have to be fulfilled literally. This is inappropriate as it is the opinion of the author and should not be reflected particularly in a book dealing with hermeneutics. These weaknesses aside, the book has much to offer the Bible student. Conclusion The Bible student, layperson, or pastor will find the principles presented by Fee and Stuart useful despite the weaknesses presented. The author's contribution on how to interpret each of the different genres is particularly beneficial. The Bible Student will know better how to interpret God's Word when his work is completed. Fee and Stuart achieve their goal by helping the reader not only in interpretation, but also in application..