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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insights INSIGHT
Hermeneutics Defined
Hermeneutics is the study of understanding messages, especially texts.
It's crucial for interpreting the Bible and understanding human actions.
insights 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.
insights 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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Transfiguring What It Means to Read the Bible Theologically
Kevin Vanhoozer
Mere Christianity
C.S. Lewis
In 'Mere Christianity', C.S. Lewis argues for the existence of God and defends Christian theology. The book is divided into four parts: the first argues for the existence of God based on the 'law of human nature'; the second defends Christian theology, including the 'Liar, lunatic, or Lord' trilemma regarding Jesus Christ; the third explores Christian ethics, including the cardinal and theological virtues; and the fourth discusses the Christian conception of God, particularly the Holy Trinity. Lewis also addresses topics such as free will, morality, sexual ethics, and the institution of marriage. The book is known for its clear and logical presentation of Christian apologetics and has been praised for its straightforward and humorous writing style[1][2][4].
Faith speaking understanding
Kevin Vanhoozer
Hearers and Doers
Hearers and Doers
A Pastor's Guide to Making Discipleship through Scripture and Doctrine
Kevin Vanhoozer
The drama of doctrine
a canonical-linguistic approach to Christian theology
Kevin Vanhoozer
Remythologizing Theology
Remythologizing Theology
Gregg Allison
Steve Wilhem
Remember and Rehearse
An Invitation to Participate in God's Story
JT English
You Are a Theologian
An Invitation to Know and Love God Well
JT English
Jen Wilkin
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.
You can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway’s Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.
Knowing Faith 
