Gospel-Centered Hermeneutics - by Graeme Goldsworthy (Paperback)

About the Book

In this new paperback version, Graeme Goldsworthy examines the foundations and presuppositions of evangelical belief as it applies to the interpretation of the Bible. He then proposes an evangelical hermeneutic rightly centered in the gospel.

Book Synopsis

While there are many books on hermeneutics, Graeme Goldsworthy's perception is that evangelical contributions often do not give sufficient attention to the vital relationship between hermeneutics and theology, both systematic and biblical.In this new paperback edition of Gospel-Centered Hermeneutics, Goldsworthy moves beyond a reiteration of the usual arguments to concentrate on the theological questions of presuppositions, and the implications of the Christian gospel for hermeneutics. In doing so, he brings fresh perspectives on some well-worn pathways.Part I examines the foundations and presuppositions of evangelical belief, particularly with regard to biblical interpretation.Part II offers a selective overview of important hermeneutical developments from the sub-apostolic age to the present, as a means of identifying some significant influences that have been alien to the gospel.Part III evaluates ways and means of reconstructing truly gospel-centered hermeneutics.Goldsworthy's aim throughout is to commend the much-neglected role of biblical theology in hermeneutical practice, with pastoral concern for the people of God as they read, interpret and seek to live by his written Word.

Review Quotes

"Gospel-Centered Hermeneutics is a clarion call for those who believe that the Bible is the word of God to interpret it like it is the word of God. It is chock full of insights useful to any thoughtful believer who wants to be able to read his or her Bible Christianly. Goldsworthy is to be particularly commended for his clear demonstration that a robust and believing biblical theology provides a solid foundation for knowing how to approach the Bible."

--Mark Traphage, League of Inveterate Poets, foolishsage.com, 2007

"Amongst a spate of hermeneutics books, why should this one receive special consideration by readers interested in the subject? The first reason is the author. Graeme Goldsworthy has contributed numerous years in the classroom and multiple volumes in print to help the world understand the Bible better. The second reason why this book should receive special attention is because it offers so very clearly a general hermeneutics textbook from a well honed 'gospel-centered' approach. His summaries, bullet points, and analyses make this quite a usable text and a welcome contribution."

--Matthew Cook, Evangelical Review of Theology, July 2008

"Goldsworthy articulates how we should interpret the whole Bible in light of the gospel. This is a readable book that is concerned first and foremost with the pastoral situation."

--Preaching, Bible and Reference Survey 2007

"Goldsworthy demonstrates the need for a robust biblical theological method that exalts Jesus, which is exactly what his book does."

--Andrew David Naselli, JETS, June 2008

"Not a book best handled with casual reading. Rather, it is the type of book that must be approached with a certain level of hermeneutical angst and a willingness to perceive one's own hermeneutical shortcomings. It is also the type of book that should be read more than once, perhaps annually for a decade or so."

--Miles Van Pelt, Reformation21.org, April 1, 2007

"One of the more significant books of the year."

--Preaching, November/December 2007

"The book is stellar in focusing on Christ as the hermeneutic of Scripture and reality. . . . It is a challenging and worthwhile read for the serious student."

--Doug Smith, SharperIron.org, February 20, 2008

"The message is a potent call to evangelicals to be evangelical in their hermeneutics. Gospel-Centered Hermeneutics will prove a useful tool for Bible students and pastors."

--Michael J. Thate, Bulletin for Biblical Research, vol. 19, no. 1, 2009

"This book is clearly written by an evangelical for evangelicals. Goldsworthy does present some helpful and balanced suggestions for hermeneutics, particularly when he writes of the need to do hermeneutics in the context of biblical theology as a whole."

--Wilburn T. Stanch, Catholic Book Reviews, January 2008

"This book was written to be a textbook, and will make a good one. It almost shouts 'I'm a ready-made syllabus!'"

--Rich Ritchie, Modern Reformation, May/June 2007

About the Author

Graeme Goldsworthy, now retired, was formerly lecturer in Old Testament, biblical theology and hermeneutics at Moore Theological College, Sydney, where he still teaches part-time.