Journal: Faith and Mission
Volume: FM 21:2 (Spring 2004)
Article: Book Reviews
Author: Anonymous

FM 21:2 (Spring 2004) p. 70

Book Reviews

Biblical Studies

The Holman Guide to Interpreting the Bible, by David S. Dockery and George H. Guthrie. Nashville: Broadman and Holman, 2004. Pp.100.

This book is a short and concise study of the basics of interpretation, application and communication of the Scriptures in the teaching and preaching assignment. It is simple and well written. It would be an appropriate text for entry-level college classes as well as for training teachers in a local church to communicate God’s truth as revealed in the Bible accurately and effectively.

The book has only five chapters dealing with the importance of interpretation (1), the history of interpretation (2), interpretation itself (3), application (4), and communication (5). Stories and illustrations are scattered throughout, and each chapter is helpfully outlined to guide the reader through that particular section. Block quotes from important churchmen are a bonus, and the cartoons are well placed and add a touch of spice. Two basic and helpful bibliographies are located on pages 68–69 and 100.

The chapter on the history of interpretation is brief, but remarkably complete as a survey. Most of the major figures are noted, and the ebb and flow of the history of biblical interpretation is accurately and fairly presented. The chapter on interpretation itself is also well done. The principles set forth are basic, but essential. They provide a sound guide that will assist the serious interpreter of Scripture rightly to divide the word of truth, honoring the ultimate author of the Bible: the Holy Spirit.

Criticisms of the book are few. There is a typo on page 30 concerning the dates of John Chrysostom (c. A.D. 347-707). Most scholars would also date Calvin’s birth at 1509 and not 1506 (p. 34). I would not consider Grenz to have written a good theology (p. 65), and the reference to the Holman Bible Dictionary is dated (p. 68). It came out in a revised edition in 2003. The statement “interpretation without application is abortion” is better credited to Howard Hendricks than Rick Warren, since Hendricks has been saying this for several decades. Finally, the chapter on communication is sound but too brief. Nothing is said about the act of communication itself which is more crucial than ever before. I repeatedly tell my students that what you say is more important than how you say it, but how you say it has never been more important. Drs. Dockery and Guthrie have produced a valuable and helpful work to aid the body of Christ in rightly dividing the word of truth. I am glad to commend its use.

Daniel L. Akin

FM 21:2 (Spring 2004) p. 71

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