Periodical Reviews -- By: Anonymous

Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 145:577 (Jan 1988)
Article: Periodical Reviews
Author: Anonymous


Periodical Reviews

“Gabler’s Bicentenary,” Robert Morgan, The Expository Times 98 (March 1987): 164-68.

Robert Morgan has called attention to the 200th anniversary of J. P. Gabler’s lecture at Altdorf, generally considered the fountainhead for the study of biblical theology. In that famous inaugural lecture Gabler divided the study of theology into four periods: the period of questioning (1st-12th centuries), the period of summas (13th-14th centuries), the period of reformation, and the period of biblical theology.

Morgan’s main point in this article is to stress the three-step process that Gabler outlined in his subsequent work. The biblical theologian first gathers material, a step that is purely historical and exegetical and that uses linguistic, literary, and historical scholarship. The second step involves engaging the text as theology, that is, working with the linguistic, historical, and literary data to explore the theology of the text. The third step is what Gabler called “pure” biblical theology which provides the basis for systematics. However, the type of systematics employed is less philosophical and more textual in nature.

The intriguing aspect of this article is the bearing that biblical theology has on the interpretation of Scripture in the contemporary evangelical scene. The same tension exists in contemporary evangelicalism as existed in Gabler’s day between philosophical systematics and textual biblical theology. Gabler’s distinction between what the text meant and what it means (steps one and three) is still being debated. The growth of evangelical biblical literary criticism over the past two decades has resulted in conflict with traditional approaches to systematic theology. The varying approaches to theology are being examined in almost all evangelical theological schools.

Evangelicals should not let the bicentenary of Gabler’s treatise pass without notice. Though he exhibited some tendencies in theology that

would be unacceptable to many, his method should continue to be explored. Morgan’s article is a timely reminder of the relevance of the past.

John A. Martin

“The Concept of Power in Ecclesiology,” Janet R. Cawley, Toronto Journal of Theology 3 (Spring 1987): 14-27.

One of the most despised words in the pastoral vocabulary is “power,” yet “power play” is a reality in pastoral experience. Pastors and other Christian leaders can grasp the realities of power without resorting to competitive power brokering. The key lies in a clear understanding of the nature of power and its role in service to Christ.

You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
Click here to subscribe
visitor : : uid: ()