Biblical Studies: Awareness

I have been thinking recently, as I slide more into systematic theology than any other particular area of interest, of what one needs to know regrading biblical theology, in order to be a faithful preacher and a coherent theologian. Obviously, the two don't always go together, but one can dream.... I think that, pending enough weekends and evenings readings to catch my biblical skills up with my systematic/general theological skills, there are five broad areas that are helpful as things to have an 'awareness' of.

What do I mean by an awareness? Let's take iPhone screen repair as an example. There are many models of the iPhone, with broadly similar designs, focused on a touch screen. Sometimes, these screens shatter. I have (had?) the skills to take apart and repair the screen on my wife's former 3GS, but when I cracked her newer 4S, I knew I didn't want to go through the faff of that fiddly repair with my fat fingers, limited tools, and fear of the cost of the more expensive phone. So I took it to a man who would, could, and did - and he also informed me that the iPhone 5 and newer are really (relatively) easy to repair. So, to follow this line of through, I have an awareness of the broad discipline of iPhone screen repair, an ability at iPhone 3GS repair, and an awareness of what to do with a 4/4S. The principle applies, broadly similarly, to the vital work of biblical studies.

I think having a systematic understanding of the whole biblical narrative is really important - its why I like books like Krish Kandiah's 'Route 66', theologians like John Calvin who bridge the disciplines of exegesis and systematics, and so on - but beyond that (obvious?) coherent overview, there are five specific 'awarenesses' that I think are really useful. Obviously, I am only 'aware' of each of these in the vaguest sense, but perhaps part of this is having access to trusted tools and writers/preachers who do use the four tools. By far my weakest 'awareness' is Hebrew - mine is essentially non-existent, thats how slow it is - but I have acquired by various means an understanding of who to trust on translation issues, and where to go and ask questions if I have them.

i - Bible Overview/Canon

A key thing for me when coming to the Bible is a sense of the text as part of a library, the unfolding revelation and story of God. I'm a fan of Bible overviews - like Krish Kandiah's 'Route 66' or Vaughan Roberts' 'God's Big Picture', for example - because they encourage us (at whatever 'level' we might read the Bible) to think about it coherently and cohesively. Secondly, we need to know what we mean by the Bible, to think about the Canon. For me, and Protestants, I believe the 66 books of the Canon are Gods Word - and that shapes the way I read the text. In a more technical sense, I think that the discipline of 'canonical criticism' can be a really helpful tool for understanding the Bible. An awareness of the Bible in overview and something about the canon/canonical process is vital as a pair of awarenesses for thinking intelligently about the Bible.

ii - Old Testament

I've placed the Old before/above the New Testament for various reasons, and deliberately so. The New Testament of course shares more about Jesus, but it doesn't make full sense without the Old Testament. The Old is also a foundational place for so much - with important themes and truths running through it. I know several people who can preach the Gospel, preach grace, straight out of the Old Testament, because the Old Testament tells us of the same God who is revealed in Jesus.

iii - New Testament

Obviously, as Christians, people of the Resurrection (likely also Gentiles), we love and need the New Testament. As a reliable, historically relevant and theologically rich document, we can get our hands on it in a number of translations, and it is brilliant. The New is probably more immediately evangelistic than the Old - not least as significant chunks of it were written to tell the Good News about Jesus! The Old Testament is a wonderfully diverse collection of writings, influencing religions beyond Christianity, and law and culture in a myriad of ways. An overview of the Old Testament, and at least an awareness of the different sections (Pentateuch, Prophets, Wisdom, etc) can be really helpful for thinking theologically and carefully.

iv - Greek

Greek is the language that most of the New Testament was written in, and is useful for lots of secondary literature too. In my mind, at least, it is more straightforward than Hebrew, and is learn-able for anyone wanting to give some time. Understanding Greek is one thing - but in keeping with this post, an awareness of the value of knowing the meaning of Greek words is key. This awareness can shed light on what Jesus, Paul or other New Testament characters are trying to communicate, as well us unpack and go deeper into the words and themes of the New Testament. An awareness of Greek - or a friend who knows it - can also help in reading around the wider world and context of the Early Church.

v - Hebrew

As you will likely also know, Hebrew is the language that most of the Old Testament (and its Jewish commentaries) is written in. As such, its good to know a little about what is (in my mind!) a really difficult but beautiful language. I remember my A-Level RS Teacher reading Hebrew aloud, and given that he was and is an avowed atheist I was challenged to learn more about the linguistic foundations of the biggest part of the Bible. Hebrew is complex - but an awareness of it (similar to an awareness of Greek) is crucial for interpreting and understanding the Old Testament.

So there you have it! Five key awarenesses that are useful for approaching biblical studies in general, and the usage of Scripture in other theological disciplines in particular. I hope this post is helpful to someone, and that some of these lessons I've slowly learned benefit a reader here or there. Thankyou for reading.