‘Theological Interpretation’ and its Contradistinctions

Abstract

The label ‘theological interpretation’ has been used recently as a technical term to denote a certain approach to Scripture. This development is most unfortunate, not least because it implies that other approaches, especially historical criticism, cannot be equally theological in focus. The use of this term in such an artificially narrowed way creates the false impression that anyone wanting to do exegesis in the service of the Church must do so according to the particular practices of the ‘theological interpretation’ movement. The implied argument is hardly an argument at all, and it promotes a number of poor hermeneutical habits.