Some Theological Guidelines for Reading Scripture

Green (2003) states, “A reading of the Bible as Christian Scripture can never be satisfied with anything less than interpretive practices oriented toward shaping and nurturing the faith and life of God’s people (p. 79).  Green (2003) goes on to focus on three implications of this understanding: “(1) the import of the Old Testament, (2) the reading of scripture as a ‘ruled reading,’ and (3) the significance of locating one’s community within its theological tradition” (p. 79).

The Import of the Old Testament

Green (2003) rightly asserts, “It is essential that Christian Study of the Old Testament interpret these writings specifically as Christian Scripture and that the New Testament be firmly situated within the grand narrative of God’s purpose that is incomprehensible apart from the Old Testament” (p. 79).    The story of redemption came to its fruition in the cross of Christ, but it was born long ago.  We see God pursuing his children, in the animal skins made for Adam and Eve, in the story of Noah and the Ark, in God’s calling of Abraham, the exodus, the life of King David, and throughout the stories of the prophets.  The story of God’s redemptive work is incomplete without the inclusion of the great many level one stories of the Old Testament.   

The Reading of Scripture as a “Ruled” Reading

Green (2003) states, “The church’s doctrine provides, as it were, the rules of engagement in a reading of Scripture…Biblical texts, taken on their own terms and without recourse to a history or community of interpretations…sola Scriptura can never guarantee that one is Christian” (p. 80-81).  There is mutual dependency between Scripture and church doctrine.  Scripture holds doctrine accountable, and doctrine helps individuals interpret scripture.  Specifically, doctrine helps to view specific scriptures in lieu of the totality of scripture (the nature of God as expressed in the totality of scripture impacts our understanding of specific texts).  

The Significance of Locating One’s Community Within its Theological Tradition

Green (2003) concludes, “As Christians, we read out of our tradition…all of us are reared, to some degree or another, within a particular ecclesial or theological tradition” (85).   Individuals from different ecclesial traditions can interpret a specific and to some extent, the bible as a whole quite differently.  A Calvinist vs Arminian understanding of salvation and the issue of female leadership in the church are clear examples.  Individuals on different ends of these theological issues faithfully approach the sacred text yet come to very different conclusions because of their theological traditions. 

Green, J.B. (2007).  Seized by truth: Reading the Bible as Scripture.  Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press.