Can one profitably read scripture from a relational or process point of view? Can one do so without discarding those portions of scripture that on first read seem problematic to a modern-day reader? Ronald L. Farmer, a minister and New Testament scholar, thinks it is possible and can, in fact, be a liberating and stimulating experience. His Beyond the Impasse: The Promise of a Process Hermeneutic (Mercer UP, 1997) was the first book-length work describing this exciting interpretative perspective. He then wrote a commentary on the book of Revelation (Chalice Commentaries for Today, 2005), a book that is one of the most challenging for modern interpreters, and has been problematic throughout Christian history. In the present book, Farmer explores the way in which we read scripture and asks us to be conscious of what we bring to the table and the ways in which we use it. He then examines various interpretive tools and approaches to help us understand the ways of thinking that contributed to their development. Finally, he uses Revelation 4 & 5 to illustrate the impact of how rethinking our approach to scripture can contribute to us receiving and applying scripture in new and dynamic ways. This book does not propose new interpretative tools for Bible study but rather focuses on a process perspective that enables us to gain new insights from the tools that have been developed over the centuries. This book will be valuable to anyone who wants to study the Bible while being conscious of one’s own (and others’) biases and presuppositions.

Contemporary biblical scholarship has reached an impasse. The various programs for bridging the gap between the ancient texts and their contemporary theological and ethical appropriation are often unsatisfactory at best and at worst even suspect in their results. We need an effective way to cross the bridge ... or a new bridge. Ronald Farmer suggests that a "process hermeneutic" holds promise of moving biblical interpretation beyond the current impasse. This is the first comprehensive introduction to a process hermeneutic. It is not, however, merely theoretical discussion, but moves from the side of biblical scholarship to develop a solid methodology for bridging the gap between text and life. Farmer applies his process hermeneutic to a difficult textRevelation 4-5 - and demonstrates this promising method in a piece of solid, responsible, and instructive interpretation.

You no longer have to choose between what you know and what you believe—an accessible introduction to a theological game-changer. "I wrote this book for you if you want to be able to locate your life in a single, encompassing story, one that includes everything from the first moment the universe began until yesterday, a narrative that embraces deepest personal meaning, a yearning to love and be loved, a quest for social justice and compassion." —from the Introduction Much of what you were told you should believe when you were younger forces you to choose between your spirit and your intellect, between science and religion, between morality and dogma: unchanging laws of nature vs. miracles that sound magical; a good God vs. the tragedies that strike all living creatures; a God who knows the future absolutely vs. an open future that you help to shape through your choices. This fascinating introduction to Process Theology from a Jewish perspective shows that these are false choices. Inspiring speaker, spiritual leader and philosopher Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson presents an overview of what Process Theology is and what it can mean for your spiritual life. He explains how Process Theology can break you free from the strictures of ancient Greek and medieval European philosophy, allowing you to see all creation not as this or that, us or them, but as related patterns of energy through which we connect to everything. Armed with Process insights and tools, you can break free from outdated religious dichotomies and affirm that your religiosity, your spirit, your mind and your ethics all strengthen and refine each other.

Process theology is considered a very complex and difficult to understand system. Is it possible to get a basic grasp of what it is and how it impacts our lives and service to others? In this brief, lively, and engaging book, Dr. Bruce Epperly untangles the difficult concepts of process theology and shows how we can envision a God who is in relation to us throughout our lives here and in the next world. He believes that “God is present at the moment of our conception, guides us through the adventures of this lifetime, urging us to rejoice in embodiment and bring healing to our world, and upon our final earthly breath receives us with open arms with visions of future adventures in communion with God and our fellow creatures.” Not only is this theology easy to understand, but it also challenges us to live out God’s adventure in with joy, sharing God’s life with all of God’s creatures. This book is an excellent introduction to process theology, useful for small groups or individual study, and includes a list of resources for further study.

The movement of process theology is brought into creative interaction with political theology in this exciting new work by distinguished author John B. Cobb Jr. Confronted with the critical problems facing the global environment, the author seeks to overcome the abstractness that has kept process thought from achieving practical influence. Cobb reviews contemporary political theology in the works of major European theologians, Johann Baptist Metz, Jürgen Moltmann, and Dorothee Sölle, then surveys the movement in recent German theology. He examines the challenge of political theology in the tradition of the Chicago school and advocates broadening the horizons of political theology into the formulation of an ecological, rather than a sociological, theology. Process Theology as Political Theology responds to the challenge of providing a theological base for the Christian activist. Pastors, seminarians, and students will find it to be a stimulating evolutionary work, derived from the author’s concern for the planet earth.

This textbook provides students and general readers with clear, accessible guidance for interpreting the Bible. With nearly 120,000 copies sold, it has become a trusted resource for serious students of the Bible. The authors' successful approach shows how proper theory leads to sound practice. This book gives readers not only an understanding of the principles of proper biblical interpretation but also the ability to apply those principles in sermon preparation, personal Bible study, or writing. The authors outline a seven-step hermeneutical process that includes (1) historical-cultural analysis, (2) written contextual analysis, (3) lexical-syntactical analysis, (4) literary analysis, (5) theological analysis, (6) comparison with other interpreters, and (7) application. The third edition has been updated throughout to account for new developments in the field and to incorporate feedback from professors and students. Exercises have also been updated and streamlined. Resources for instructors are available through Textbook eSources.

"Sometimes you just want to know the answer to a question that's been bugging you-especially when it comes to that intriguing but sometimes challenging thing called process theology! Here at last is exactly the right book, with questions written by people like you and answers developed by that best of all process thinkers ,John B. Cobb,Jr. Whether you plunge right in by reading it straight through, or dip into the issues bit by bit, you'll find yourself a partner in a deeply engaging conversation." MARJORIE SUCHOCKI, author of The Whispered Word: A Theology of Preaching and In God's Presence: Theological Reflections on Prayer "Within these lucid pages, one of the great minds of our time speaks with profound clarity. Herein lie the Big Questions. And these are the answers that changed my life!” PATRICIA ADAMS FARMER, author of Embracing a Beautiful God "After being introduced to the worldview of process thought, Christian readers so often ask: 'But how can this worldview be connected with traditional Christian belief and practice?' The Process Perspective offers a process response to the questions that are truly on people's minds: Is God personal? Is prayer effective? Who was Jesus? Why do the innocent suffer? It presents a way of thinking about Christian faith, and living the Christian life, that is a viable alternative to fundamentalism on the one hand and lukewarm liberalism on the other. It displays a Christianity with roots and wings. Thank you, John Cobb." JAY McDANIEL, author of Living from the Center: Spirituality in an Age of Consumerism In this fresh perspective on faith from a man of faith, internationally renowned process theologian John B. Cobb,Jr., addresses more than thirty questions about God, Christ, the Bible, the church, humankind, and ethics. He seeks to put process ideas into plain language, with clear implications for faithful living.

An authoritative guide to accurately interpreting and applying God's Word In this second edition of Invitation to Biblical Interpretation, Andreas Kostenberger leads the reader step-by-step through the process of interpreting and applying God's Word. The primary principle is the hermeneutical triad, which consists of history, literature, and theology. Readers are equipped to explore the historical background of a biblical passage, analyze its literary genre and features, and derive its theological meaning in light of the biblical canon. Numerous examples are provided throughout to illustrate the concepts. A concluding chapter provides direction on practical application, preaching, and helpful tools for Bible study. Additional features include key words and definitions at the end of each chapter, study questions, and practical exercises for applying the material. An appendix lists numerous resources for Bible study, including recommended commentaries for every book of the Bible. The second edition updates these resources, as well as the sources cited throughout, and includes a revised chapter on the Old Testament canon. Instructors, students, pastors, and anyone who desires to interpret Scripture accurately will find this volume to be an indispensable addition to their library.

How should Christian readers of scripture hold appropriate and constructive tensions between exegetical, critical, hermeneutical, and theological concerns? This book seeks to develop the current lively discussion of theological hermeneutics by taking an extended test case, the book of Numbers, and seeing what it means in practice to hold all these concerns together. In the process the book attempts to reconceive the genre of "commentary" by combining focused attention to the details of the text with particular engagement with theological and hermeneutical concerns arising in and through the interpretive work. The book focuses on the main narrative elements of Numbers 11–25, although other passages are included (Numbers 5, 6, 33). With its mix of genres and its challenging theological perspectives, Numbers offers a range of difficult cases for traditional Christian hermeneutics. Briggs argues that the Christian practice of reading scripture requires engagement with broad theological concerns, and brings into his discussion Frei, Auerbach, Barth, Ricoeur, Volf, and many other biblical scholars. The book highlights several key formational theological questions to which Numbers provides illuminating answers: What is the significance and nature of trust in God? How does holiness (mediated in Numbers through the priesthood) challenge and redefine our sense of what is right, or "fair"? To what extent is it helpful to conceptualize life with God as a journey through a wilderness, of whatever sort? Finally, short of whatever promised land we may be, what is the context and role of blessing?

Gregory Boyd seeks to defend his scripturally grounded trinitarian warfare theod-icy with rigorous philosophical reflection and insights from human experience and scientific discovery.