The Hermeneutical Spirit [Hardcover]

In the contemporary biblical studies climate, proposals regarding the theological interpretation of Scripture are contested, particularly but not only because they privilege, encourage, and foster ecclesial or other forms of normative commitments as part and parcel of the hermeneutical horizon through which scriptural texts are read and understood. Within this context, confessional approaches have been emerging, including some from within the nascent pentecostal theological tradition. This volume builds on the author's previous work in theological method to suggest a pentecostal perspective on theological interpretation that is rooted in the conviction that all Christian reading of sacred Scripture is post-Pentecost, meaning after the Day of Pentecost outpouring of the Spirit on all flesh in anticipation of the coming reign of God. In that respect, such a pentecostal interpretative perspective is not parochially for those within the modern day movement bearing that name but is arguably apostolic in following after the scriptural imagination of the earliest disciples of Jesus the messiah and therefore has ecumenical and missional purchase across space and time. The Hermeneutical Spirit thus provides close readings of various texts across the scriptural canon as a model for Christian theological interpretation of Scripture suitable for the twenty-first-century global context. Amos Yong is one of the two or three Pentecostal theologians who ventures beyond the narrower confines of traditional Pentecostal writers. He has already written numerous books on the Holy Spirit, on hermeneutics, of Trinitarian faith, and ecumenical concerns. This volume reprints twelve earlier essays, but includes a fresh introduction and conclusion. I heartily commend his fresh thinking, his Trinitarian perspective, and hermeneutical sensitivity. This book is timely, and deserves a wide readership. --Anthony C. Thiselton, Emeritus Professor, Christian Theology, University of Nottingham Tl3…