The Challenge Of Biblical Theology -- By: Charles H. H. Scobie

Journal: Tyndale Bulletin
Volume: TYNBUL 42:1 (NA 1991)
Article: The Challenge Of Biblical Theology
Author: Charles H. H. Scobie


The Challenge Of Biblical Theology

Charles H.H. Scobie

The term ‘Biblical Theology’ is still widely used today. There are encyclopedias of Biblical Theology, journals devoted to Biblical Theology, and people occupy chairs of Biblical Theology. In recent years there has been renewed discussion of the possibility of producing a Biblical Theology, a development which has given rise to hope in some, but suspicion in others.1 Examination of the various uses of the term, however, quickly reveals widespread disagreement regarding its meaning. ‘Biblical theology’, as J.L. McKenzie has said, ‘is the only discipline or sub-discipline in the field of theology that lacks generally accepted principles, methods and structure. There is not even a generally accepted definition of its purpose and scope’.2 Indeed, on some definitions it is likely that there are many scholars who would hold that Biblical Theology either does not or should not exist at all.

I. The Problem Of Definition

If real progress is to be made in the study of Biblical Theology the question of definition is clearly crucial. By far the commonest procedure is to refer back to the origins of the actual phrase ‘Biblical Theology’ (theologia biblica, biblische Theologie) and in particular to link the definition of Biblical Theology with the famous inaugural address of J.P. Gabler at the University of Altdorf in 1787, entitled ‘An Oration on the Proper Distinction Between Biblical and Dogmatic Theology and the Specific Objectives of Each’.3 The general assumption

is that Gabler advocated the strict separation of Biblical Theology and Dogmatics. Biblical Theology is thus defined as a purely historical and descriptive discipline standing apart from the Christian tradition.

This approach will be examined and some indication given of the problems which it entails. An alternative approach to definition will then be offered, one which seeks to define Biblical Theology in relation to the Christian tradition rather than over against it. The merits of these two approaches will be assessed in the light of the history of Biblical Theology over the past 200 years, and in the light of the impasse in which the discipline finds itself today. Finally, after briefly reviewing some recent developments which give promise of opening up new horizons, an attempt will be made to define and describe a viable approach to Biblical Theology today.

I. Biblical Theology Apart From The Christian Tradition

Virtually every discuss...

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