Mere Christian Hermeneutics with Kevin Vanhoozer

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Mar 6, 2025

Kevin J. Vanhoozer, a systematic theology professor at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and a renowned author, dives into the intricacies of biblical hermeneutics. He unpacks the essence of a 'mere Christian hermeneutic' and its role in enhancing personal interpretation of scripture. The conversation touches on the literal sense of the Bible, challenges the biases of cultural readings, and highlights the transformative power of scripture through the lens of the beatific vision. Vanhoozer emphasizes a unified approach that invites believers into a dynamic dialogue with God.

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INSIGHT

Hermeneutics Defined

Hermeneutics is the study of understanding messages, especially texts.
It's crucial for interpreting the Bible and understanding human actions.

INSIGHT

The Bible's Purpose

The Bible is God's active communication with us, inviting us into His story.
It's a theological book meant to guide our relationship with God.

INSIGHT

Mere Christian Hermeneutics

"Mere Christianity" seeks common ground among Christians despite doctrinal differences.
"Mere Christian hermeneutics" promotes shared principles for Bible interpretation.

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Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley are joined by Kevin J. Vanhoozer to discuss his new book, “Mere Christian Hermeneutics.”

Questions Covered in This Episode:

Can you give our listeners a sense of your larger interest? What are you trying to accomplish in your body of work? What’s your goal as you write and teach?
What is hermeneutics?
What is the Bible? What is it meant to do?
What is mere Christianity? What’s a mere Christian hermeneutic?
What is the literal sense?
Is a mere Christian hermeneutic composed of biblical insight, theological truth, and/or transformation application? Focused on one over the other? Something entirely different?
How does a person, an individual bible reader/studier, look to cultivate this kind of approach? How do we read the Bible well?
How would you distinguish historical mere Christian reading from Christian sub-cultural reading of the scriptures?
How does the beatific vision of beholding God, shape the way we read and interpret scripture?

Helpful Definitions:

Hermeneutics: The principles and practices for understanding the Biblical text.

Guest Bio:

Dr. Kevin Vanhoozer is research professor of systematic theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and the author of many books, including but not limited to: Faith Speaking Understanding, Hearers and Doers: A Pastors Guide to Making Discipleship through Scripture and Doctrine, and Mere Christian Hermeneutics.

He is theological mentor to the Augustine Fellowship of the Center for Pastor Theologians and Senior Fellow of the C. S. Lewis Institute for Discipleship. He is married to Sylvie (author of The Art of Living in Season and The Art of Living in Advent), has two daughters and one son-in-law.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

John 5:45, 2 Corinthians 3:18
“Drama of Doctrine” by Kevin J. Vanhoozer
“Mere Christian Hermeneutics” by Kevin J. Vanhoozer
“Remythologizing Theology” by Kevin J. Vanhoozer
“You are a Theologian” by Jen Wilkin and J T English
“Remember and Rehearse” by J.T. English
“Mere Christianity” by C.S. Lewis

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