"Five Things Biblical Scholars Wish Theologians Knew" (Scot McKnight)

TITLE: Five Things Biblical Scholars Wish Theologians Knew
AUTHOR: Scot McKnight
PUBLISHER: Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2021, (184 pages).

This review is a follow-up on the complementary volume from my previous review, that theology and biblical studies should complement rather than compete against each other. After all, they help the rest of us understand biblical truth more deeply. Theologian Hans Boersma's tongue-in-cheek foreword subtly maintains the supremacy of systematic theology over biblical theology. He even brands biblical scholars like Scot McKnight as more theological than what most people might have perceived. What he is saying is that McKnight's views put him on the same side as his own. In endorsing this book, Boersma is even saying that at the end of it all, both biblical and dogmatic theology affirms the fundamentals of orthodox Christianity: Christ is present sacramentally (theological) in the biblical texts (biblical scholarship). This sets the stage for a grand pushback by eminent biblical scholar, Scot McKnight. Arguing that the task of a biblical scholar is more difficult, McKnight points out the nature of biblical studies which is to take ourselves away from our contemporary viewpoints to immerse ourselves into the biblical texts. Such a task is immensely more challenging. His central point: "All theology must start at the exegetical level."  

Just like Boersma who had listed five things for biblical scholars, McKnight pushes forth five things to help theologians begin within the confines of the biblical texts. His five points are:

1. Theology needs a constant return to Scripture,
2. Theology needs to know its impact on biblical studies,
3. Theology needs historically shaped biblical studies, 
4. Theology needs more narrative, and 
5. Theology needs to be lived theology.
   

The biggest difference between systematic and biblical theology is in terms of the method adopted. The first point drives home the entire frame of argument, that everything must begin with Scripture. This forms the root that sprouts the trunks, branches, and twigs of the theological tree. He also distinguishes biblical scholarship from biblicism, something that should be required reading for all, especially those coming from a fundamentalist form of literal interpretation. On his second point, he takes on a more reconciliatory tone, confessing the need for theologians to help biblical scholars read the Bible well, before arriving at a compromise, that both disciplines need to be integrated. He calls for more coordination among scholars from both disciplines, citing four recent works in which both disciplines could benefit from such an initiative. Describing the need for a "history of theology," his fourth point is an excellent blending to arrive at a nuanced understanding of theology that combines the best of systematic and biblical theologies. Finally, he reminds all of us that theology, regardless of whether it is biblical or dogmatic must be lived out in practice. 

With his 40 years of teaching experience, McKnight begins with a brief definition of some of the more technical terms used. He distinguishes systematic theology from biblical theology before showing us how systematic theology gets its inspiration from good biblical studies. For instance, systematic theologians tend to begin with creeds and dogmas while biblical theologians prefer to begin with biblical revelation rather than modern theologians' views. He highlights how one scholar learns to read Paul through the lens of Barth instead of the revered apostle. McKnight pushes back by saying systematic theology is "seductive" 

My Thoughts
I think McKnight's perspectives are listed more as a plea for greater cooperation rather than a polemic against systematic theology. As one who is well-read in many branches of theology, he is able to see both strengths and weaknesses from both disciplines. In quite a few chapters, he expresses open invitations to scholars from both sides to do more to help foster teamwork and cooperation toward patching up holes in both disciplines. This is what scholarship ought to be, where theologians and biblical scholars both honour and critique each other's works, not for puffing one up but with constructive criticisms that build up. We are all in the same boat. A good theologian will be welcoming of biblical perspectives to help shore up the knowledge of the Truth. Likewise, a credible biblical scholar will humbly acknowledge the need for the various theological perspectives in learning more about what the Bible is teaching. In this sense, the title of the book is a bit misleading, probably labelled as a catchy headline for prospective buyers.

That said, I believe McKnight is spot on when he maintains that all theology must begin with Scripture. Sometimes, even while we recite our creeds about sola scriptura, we often lack the ability to distinguish between biblicism and biblical theology. Perhaps, with McKnight's able explanation, there will be more who would be open to the promises of biblical theology, and be willing to use that as a starting point. At the end of the day, I believe that this book and its companion volume by Boersma highlight the needs of both biblical scholars and theologians all over, to take each other's disciplines with more openness and humility. From the where that both writers have written, I believe both of them while wanting to push their primary areas of disciplines are well aware that they need each other. I applaud this community of scholarship that reflects the ethos of Regent College, that "takes relationships seriously, seeking to understand and live them in light of our biblical and theological commitments." Both Boersma and McKnight's works have demonstrated that well. 

I commend McKnights contribution and warmly recommends this book and its companion volume for readers to read, to study, and to buy an additional copy for friends.

Scot McKnight (PhD, University of Nottingham) is a professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary in Lombard, Illinois. He is the author of many books, including Reading Romans Backwards, Pastor Paul, The King Jesus Gospel, and commentaries on James, Galatians, and 1 Peter. He is also the coeditor of the Story of God commentary series and general editor of the forthcoming second edition of the Dictionary of Paul and His Letters.

Rating: 4.5 stars of 5.

conrade

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This book has been provided courtesy of InterVarsity Press and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.