The Place of the Past

For decades, biblical scholars have remained divided about the role of historical criticism in biblical interpretation. On the one hand, the tools for knowing about the text, people, and world of the Bible continue to grow and intrigue readers. On the other hand, theologians, literary critics, postmodern philosophers, and others have argued that historical criticism either misses the point of the Bible or can never arrive at a desired understanding of the text. This book seeks to reengage both sides of this chasm by demonstrating what historical criticism can contribute to biblical exegesis and how it might be responsibly done.