Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart, authors of How to Read the Bible for Its Full Worth, have written an easy-to-read book for those who want to know more about what the Bible has to offer. The authors present distinct principles for interpreting the different genres found in the Bible. The book has sold over half a million copies and is one of the most popular books on biblical interpretation. Fee is a professor in the New Testament Studies Seminar at Regent College. He is the author of numerous commentaries on the New Testament and is the general editor of the New International Commentary series. Fee also contributed significantly to the field of New Testament hermeneutics and textual criticism. The author is a well-known teacher and conference speaker who is responsible for assisting in the renewal of the church. Stuart is a professor at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary where he teaches Old Testament studies. He also has expertise in biblical languages, exegesis, and interpretation. He serves as senior pastor of Linebrook Church in Ipswich, Massachusetts. Stuart is the author of commentaries and articles in newspapers and magazines. The authors acknowledge that many books have been written on this topic. Their goal is to be unique by focusing on different types of literature (genres) so that readers understand how to correctly interpret them in the context in which they were written. This review will examine the principles the authors used to interpret the Bible. The review will summarize the book, followed by a critique and a conclusion. Summary From the beginning of the book, Fee and Stuart try to explain the importance of correct biblical interpretation. The authors provide hermeneutic approaches for studying different… half of the article… go on to explain that prophecies do not need to be fulfilled in a specific way. For example, they explain that the first four trumpet judgments in Revelation do not have to have a literal fulfillment. This is improper because it is the author's opinion and should not be reflected especially on a book that deals with hermeneutics. These weaknesses aside, the book has much to offer the Bible student. Conclusion The Bible student, layperson, or pastor will find the principles presented by Fee and Stuart helpful despite the weaknesses presented. Particularly helpful is the author's input on how to interpret each of the different genres. The Bible Student will have greater knowledge about how to interpret God's Word when the work is finished. Fee and Stuart achieve their goal by helping the reader not only with interpretation, but with application.
tags