Essays --

Beyond the parole, written by Howard marshal, is a compilation of essays that seek to propose a biblically sound way to scat from biblical text to doctrine and application. Marshall believes that if one is going to move beyond the bible, they must do so biblically. A concern for Marshall is in like manner how to properly apply scripture to controversial matters in the church today. The book includes more than just Marshalls work, but essays written by Kevin Vanhoozer and Stanley door guard as well, which backs the idea that hermeneutics should be a discussion, not a solo speech.In Marshalls first essay, Evangelicals and Hermeneutics, he summarizes the state of evangelical worship in relation to hermeneutics. Marshall describes how over the past thirty years, evangelical scholars have come to appreciate hermeneutics more than ever before. Evangelical scholars now handle and explore hermeneutical concerns at all levels of study general hermeneutics, exegesis, as well as exposition and application. Marshall states that while examining an authors intent is important, it overlooks the headspring of sensus plenior, the works deeper meaning intended by God, not necessarily by the human author.In Marshalls second essay, The Development of Doctrine, he identifies two approaches to biblical interpretation, conservative and progressive. Marshall witnessed a need for greater clarity in regards to worship practices, principles, and theology due to the varying opinions among evangelical interpreters. Marshall mentions, It is especially the duty of evangelical Christians to provide some kind of reasoned, principled approach to the question of the development of doctrine from Scripture (Marshall 45).Marshalls trio essay, The Search for Bi... ...ques approaches based on the historical-critical method, the speech-act theory, and the approach of Wittgenstein. Porters view is that Paul, himself, had his own opinions on Jesus, God, and Christianity overall. Porter suggests using the translation theory when looking to go beyond the bible. He believes one should carefully examine the core of what is being said in scripture, and then translate it into todays language.Beyond the Bible is full of useful insights regarding how to apply scripture to doctrine and everyday manners. Marshall, Vanhoozer, and Porter are all well-educated theologians. How to faithfully apply Scripture to everyday life is not conclusively agreed upon and laid out in this book, but it pushes readers to think about biblical interpretation in new ways. As mentioned earlier, hermeneutics is meant to be an on-going discussion, not a solo speech.