Reception History, Tradition and Biblical Interpretation

Book Description

How do we truly understand sacred texts that have shaped human consciousness for millennia? Robert Evans explores this profound question by examining the dynamic relationship between ancient biblical writings and their ongoing interpretation across cultures and centuries.

This scholarly investigation delves into the complex world of reception history, exploring how biblical texts continue to live and breathe through countless acts of interpretation. Evans tackles fundamental questions about how we approach scripture: What is the relationship between traditional historical analysis and the broader story of how texts have been received and understood? Which interpretations deserve attention, and how do our own backgrounds and beliefs shape what we discover in these ancient words?

Drawing on the philosophical insights of Hans-Georg Gadamer, Evans presents a framework for understanding biblical interpretation that honors both the text itself and the rich traditions of meaning that have emerged around it. Rather than seeing different approaches to scripture as conflicting, he offers a way to integrate various methods of understanding with intellectual honesty.

The theoretical exploration comes alive through examination of New Testament passages about submission and authority, tracing how these challenging texts have been interpreted and applied across two thousand years in literature, law, politics, and religious communities. This concrete case study demonstrates how reception history works in practice, showing how ancient words continue to influence contemporary thought and action.

For those seeking to deepen their understanding of how sacred wisdom travels across time and culture, this work provides valuable insights into the ongoing conversation between past and present.