First Theology

by Vanhoozer, Kevin J.

• ISBN13: 9780830826810
• ISBN10: 0830826815
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-09-01
• Publisher: INGRAM

Summary

"This is a book on theological hermeneutics. It is a plea for being hermeneutical about theology and for being theological about hermeneutics. It is an argument for treating the questions of God, Scripture and hermeneutics as one problem. This one problem defines what I call 'first theology.' " (from the Preface)In thirteen chapters, Kevin Vanhoozer explores various dimensions of doing first theology and illuminates not only how we can talk about God but how we can begin with the Word of God and act on the basis of that Word. Blazing a pathway for recovering the unity of biblical studies and theological reflection, he addresses the challenges presented by the contemporary so-called postmodern situation, especially deconstructionism. Not only does a way of doing God-centered biblical interpretation come to light through Vanhoozer's explorations, but the triune identity of a God who is communicative, loving and sovereign also comes into focus. This is a book for students, pastors and teachers who have an interest in the character of God, the nature of Scripture, Christian theology, our approach to hermeneutics and how they are all necessarily interrelated to the glory of God.

Author Biography

Kevin Vanhoozer is Research Professor of Systematic Theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	7	(2)
Preface: First Thoughts	9	(6)
First Theology	15	(30)
Meditations in a Postmodern Toolshed
Part One: God
Does the Trinity Belong in a Theology of Religions?	45	(26)
On Angling in the Rubicon & the ``Identity'' of God
The Love of God	71	(25)
Its Place, Meaning & Function in Systematic Theology
Effectual Call or Causal Effect?	96	(31)
Summons, Sovereignty & Supervenient Grace
Part Two: Scripture
God's Mighty Speech Acts	127	(32)
The Doctrine of Scripture Today
From Speech Acts to Scripture Acts	159	(48)
The Covenant of Discourse & the Discourse of the Covenant
Part Three: Hermeneutics
The Spirit of Understanding	207	(29)
Special Revelation & General Hermeneutics
The Reader at the Well	236	(21)
Responding to John 4
The Hermeneutics of I-Witness Testimony	257	(18)
John 21:20-24 & the Death of the Author
Body Piercing, the Natural Sense & the Task of Theological Interpretation	275	(34)
A Hermeneutical Homily on John 19:34
The World Well Staged?	309	(28)
Theology, Culture & Hermeneutics
The Trials of Truth	337	(37)
Mission, Martyrdom & the Epistemology of the Cross
Index of Names	374	(4)
Index of Subjects	378