In Understanding and Applying the Bible Robertson McQuilken outlines a comprehensive strategy for learning to engage, learn, and interpret Scripture. Intially discussing the concept of the presuppositions that all people bring to the text, McQuilken also moves on to discuss and critique the three primary philosophical approaches to Scripture that impact its interpretation today including, what he calls, 'Supernaturalsim,' 'Naturalistic Modern[ism],' and 'Naturalistic Postmodern[ism].'With these interpretive approaches in view, McQuilken moves onto what he argues are the most responsible and effective methodological practices in Bible Study categorizing them under the rubrics of Human Authorship (the historical, physical, and cultural circumstances that the text is written under) and Divine Authorship (the inspiration, unity, and purpose of the text). The result is a well-rounded exegetical-theological approach to studying the Bible that seeks not only academic information, which is indeed important and enriching, but also an instructive guide that helps the student appropriate the academic information up into the maturity of their own spiritual lives. In accomplishing this, this book makes itself stand out against other methodological introductions to the Exegesis and Interpretation, and would be an excellent resource for churches, and outstanding in the formal classroom.
