"Five Things Theologians Wish Biblical Scholars Knew" (Hans Boersma)

TITLE: Five Things Theologians Wish Biblical Scholars Knew
AUTHOR: Hans Boersma
PUBLISHER: Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2021, (176 pages).

The disciplines of theology and biblical studies ought to complement each other in the study of Truth. Together, they help us form a more wholesome picture of what Scripture teaches us. With greater knowledge and insight, we have deepened our understanding of both systematic theology and biblical theology. Unfortunately, the bridges of understanding between the two disciplines have not grown correspondingly. This has led to unhealthy comparison and sometimes, willful playing down of each other by proponents of either party. While most professors and theologians see the disciplines as complementary, this is often more theoretical than in reality. Apart from the professional respect offered to one another, we need a third angle to help bridge the gaps that may exist. Who could best do that? This is where two eminent professors and authors from each of these disciplines could do. By bringing forth five major things they wish the other side would know, they not only highlight the unique strengths of the particular disciplines concerned, but they also form five bridges of understanding.  In the spirit of mutual encouragement, cross-disciplinary learning, sprinkled with dockets of humour, Professor Hans Boersma points out the purpose of theology, which is: "to use the Scriptures as a means of grace in drawing the reader to Jesus Christ." This Christocentric reading ought to circumvent the tendency to overemphasize historical studies. More importantly, this should lead us toward sacramental communion with God, in Jesus. Whether it is cheekily done or not, Boersma uses a common phrase "no Scripture" to highlight the key things before the biblical scholar's favorite distinction. He then lists the following five compelling things he wishes biblical scholars should know: 

1. "No Christ, No Scripture"
2. "No Plato, No Scripture"
3. "No Providence, No Scripture"
4. "No Church, No Scripture"
5. "No Heaven, No Scripture"

The first chapter aims to remind us that Jesus is the reason for the Scriptures. It is a foundation of Scripture. What might surprise some readers (especially the sola scriptura camp) is how the author could even put anything before the Word of God. This leads to some kind of a "circular reading" about which comes first, Jesus or the Bible? Recognizing the tendency for theological conflict, Boersma gently reminds us that he is referring more to the "formal authority" rather than the "actual authority" we often put in the name of scriptural authority. In other words, it is less about what we say but more about what Scriptures actually mean. Simply put, Christ must be the starting point instead of our historical tradition. The second chapter looks at the need for "prior metaphysical commitments" as our interpretive lens of Scripture. Knowing the controversy among some scholars over the use of Platonism as an interpretive lens, he assures us that such a hermeneutic used within a certain framework would help us articulate better the truth claims in Scripture. The third chapter maintains the necessity of divine providence not just in inspiring the Word of God but to enable our understanding. The fourth chapter takes on an ecclesiological approach, to emphasize that Scripture if it is to be understood well has to be interpreted within a Community. He highlights the places of canon, liturgy and creeds as crucial tools for biblical exegesis and community worship. The fifth chapter showcases the end of it all: God's love, reminding us once again that Scripture is revealed for us for a reason: Showing us the way to God. 

My Thoughts

There are three things I like about this book. First, it is the clearly articulated thesis statements by Boersma as anchor points. This is necessary due to the sizeable amount of nuanced arguments throughout the book. The author understands how his views could easily be misunderstood. That is why he often examines his own statement from a biblical scholar's perspective. In doing so, Boersma comes across as one who is not only convicted about his theological stance, he invites those from a biblical scholar background to come alongside his theological underpinnings and to consider the truths from both sides. The anchor headings capture very well the essence of where Boersma is coming from and gives the reader the needed reference point to read his arguments easily. 

Second, Boersma is right about the primacy of interpretive lens. By supplying the five different lenses here, he is showing us once again the complexity of biblical interpretation. Every one of us comes with a certain hermeneutic built inside us. Only with humility and openness to the Holy Spirit's guidance can we approach the Scripture to learn of it as what God intended for us. There are definitely more than five things that theologians wish biblical scholars knew. Perhaps, this book could spearhead more constructive interactions between scholars and theologians of both disciplines. 

Finally, I appreciate the candour and camaraderie between Boersma and McKnight as they write the foreword for each other in this complementary series of books. The embedded humour within ought to give readers an openness to learn from both disciplines in a humble and intelligent manner. In fact, they pave the way forward for a better understanding of Scripture itself. These days, we need to build fewer walls and more bridges. When we argue, we need to do so with love and gentleness. Just like 1 Corinthians 13 reminds us about the need for love to underline everything we say or do, we can debate intellectually without shouting one another down. Readers should read both this and McKnight's books to get a fuller picture of the whole project. 

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 taught at Regent College in Vancouver, Canada, and he is an ordained deacon in the Anglican Church in North America.

Rating: 4.25 stars of 5.

conrade

---

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.