Theological Hermeneutics and 1 Thessalonians [Hardcover]

This theologically based study provides a critique of the current historical-critical readings of 1 Thessalonians.This inter-disciplinary work takes a critical look at much contemporary 1 Thessalonians scholarship, with a view to recovering the insights of pre-Modern interpretation. Paddison undertakes a unique study of Thomas Aquinas' and John Calvin's commentaries on 1 Thessalonians, as well as a theologically driven reading of the whole letter.This inter-disciplinary work takes a critical look at much contemporary 1 Thessalonians scholarship, with a view to recovering the insights of pre-Modern interpretation. Paddison undertakes a unique study of Thomas Aquinas' and John Calvin's commentaries on 1 Thessalonians, as well as a theologically driven reading of the whole letter.This book proposes a theological reading of 1 Thessalonians, making an important response to the increasing demand to relate biblical scholarship more closely to theological concerns. Paddison's interpretation adheres very closely to the text and is divided into three parts. Part I offers a theological critique of dominant historical-critical readings of 1 Thessalonians. Part II examines the history of interpretation of 1 Thessalonians focusing on the pre-Modern exegesis of Thomas Aquinas and John Calvin. Paddison explores what theological exegetes can learn from Thomas Aquinas' Lectura and John Calvin's commentary on 1 Thessalonians. Aided by the insights of these neglected pre-Modern commentators, Part III presents a theologically driven interpretation of the letter. Theological exegesis is practised as a dialogue with Paul, the canon and a plethora of theological voices to elucidate Paddison's central argument, that the astonishing subject-matter of 1 Thessalonians is God's all-powerful hold over death.Introduction; Part I. The Critical Task: 1. 1 Thessalonians and the historical-critical project in theological perspective; Part II. An Exploration of Some Pre-Modern Readings of 1 ThessalonilÇ