Description
“For half a century, Robert Traina’s method of inductive Bible study has taught students the most important critical-thinking skill of all: how to read! Now David Bauer adds to the collaborative mix his own formidable strengths. This volume lays an essential foundation for critical analysis and careful exegesis.”–David A. deSilva, Ashland Theological Seminary
Robert Traina’s classic Methodical Bible Study transformed the way many people studied the Bible in the latter half of the twentieth century and became recognized as the most authoritative presentation of inductive Bible study available. This new work introduces the practice of inductive Bible study to a new generation of students, pastors, and church leaders. The authors, two seasoned educators with over sixty combined years of experience in the classroom, offer guidance on adopting an inductive posture and provide step-by-step instructions on how to do inductive Bible study. They engage in conversation with current hermeneutical issues, trends, schools, and figures as they set forth well-grounded principles and processes for biblical interpretation and appropriation.
The book offers a holistic and integrated approach to the study of the Bible, showing how readers can bring together the various facets and methods of biblical study to arrive at original, penetrating, well-grounded interpretation and contemporary appropriation. The process presented incorporates various methods of biblical study to help readers hear the message of the Bible on its own terms. Inductive Bible Study includes a sustained example of the entire process, using 2 Timothy 3:16-17, and many examples of specific aspects or tasks of biblical study taken from passages throughout the biblical canon. It will benefit professors and students in courses on Bible study methods, interpretation, and hermeneutics as well as pastors and church leaders.
Contents
Foreword by Eugene H. Peterson
Introduction
Part 1: Theoretical Foundations
1. Inductive Study
2. Transjective Study
3. Intentional and Rational Study
4. Re-Creative Study
5. Direct Study
6. Comprehensive and Integrated Study
7. Individual and Communal Study
8. Compositional Book Study
9. Canonical Study
10. Flexible Procedural Study
Part 2: Observing and Asking
11. Survey of Books-as-Wholes
12. Survey of Parts-as-Wholes (Divisions, Sections, Segments)
13. Focused Observation
Part 3: Answering or Interpreting
14. Selecting Questions and Formulating Premises
15. Drawing Inferences from the Premises
16. Implementing Interpretation
Part 4: Evaluating and Appropriating
17. Description of Evaluation and Appropriation
18. Implementing Evaluation and Appropriation
Part 5: Correlation
19. Character and Practice of Correlation
20. Implementing Correlation
Epilogue
Appendix A: General Discussion of Induction and Deduction
Appendix B: Presuppositions in Contemporary Hermeneutical Discussion
Appendix C: Selectivity
Appendix D: The Use of Original-Language Resources
Appendix E: Critical Methods in Inductive Bible Study
Appendix F: Logical Outlines
Indexes
About the Authors
David R. Bauer (PhD, Union Theological Seminary, Virginia) is Ralph Waldo Beeson Professor of Inductive Biblical Studies and dean of the School of Biblical Interpretation and Proclamation at Asbury Theological Seminary. He is the author of several books, including Inductive Bible Study and An Annotated Guide to Biblical Resources for Ministry.
Robert A. Traina (1921-2010) was professor of English Bible at The Biblical Seminary in New York and at Asbury Theological Seminary for over forty years. He received his PhD from Drew University and authored the influential classic Methodical Bible Study.
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