Ryan A Brandt | Grand Canyon University (original) (raw)
Books by Ryan A Brandt
Ryan A. Brandt and John Frederick, eds., Theological Interpretation of Scripture as Spiritual Formation, Biblical Interpretation Series, vol. 206 (Leiden, Netherlands: Brill, 2023).
Academic expertise is essential. But have you ever wondered how it itself is spiritually formativ... more Academic expertise is essential. But have you ever wondered how it itself is spiritually formative? This book, coming from an interdisciplinary assortment of scholars, shows how the exegetical methods of Theological Interpretation of Scripture (TIS) are themselves spiritually formative. This book provides a diverse collection of essays that focus on theological interpretative methods that result in a unique transformational experience not achieved through historical-critical or grammatical-historical approaches alone. Renowned thinkers—such as biblical scholar Ben Witherington III, historical theologian Mark Elliott, and theologian Arthur Sutherland—offer new works that explore how reading theologically can transform theology, cultures, and individuals. These new studies focus on the theological exegesis of such thinkers as Mother Teresa, Thomas Aquinas, Ignatius of Antioch, and Clement of Alexandria. The collection also includes several important and timely pieces that show how theological interpretation leads to moral formation within diverse cultural groups including African American and Latinx communities.
https://brill.com/display/title/63678?rskey=UDh2v3&result=4&contents=toc-50344
IVP Academic Press, 2021
The church is called to grow in Christ. Yet too often, it ignores the practical dimensions of the... more The church is called to grow in Christ. Yet too often, it ignores the practical dimensions of the faith.
The church is one in Christ. Yet too often, it is divided by national, denominational, theological, and racial or ethnic boundaries.
The church is a global body of believers. Yet too often, it privileges a few voices and fails to recognize its own diversity.
In response, this volume offers a multi-denominational, multi-ethnic vision in which biblical scholars, theologians, and practitioners from around the world join together to pursue a cohesive yet diverse theology and praxis of spiritual formation for the global church.
Be fed in your faith by brothers and sisters from around the world.
CONTENTS
Acknowledgments
Introduction: Ryan A. Brandt and John Frederick
Part One: Biblical and Theological Study as Spiritual Formation
1. New Testament Theology and Spiritual Formation: Michael J. Gorman
2. Theological Education and Spiritual Formation: Sammy Alfaro
3. Biblical Faithfulness and Spiritual Formation: Alfred Olwa
4. Spiritual Theology and Spiritual Formation: An Integrative Methodology for a Global Approach: John H. Coe
Part Two: Acts and Elements of Worship as Spiritual Formation
5. Liturgy and Spiritual Formation: Engaging with Evelyn Underhill's Prayer Book: Robyn Wrigley-Carr
6. The Eucharist as Spiritual Formation: Markus Nikkanen
7. Sacrifice and Surrender as Spiritual Formation: John Frederick and Jonathan K. Sharpe
8. The Beatific Vision as Spiritual Formation: An Augustinian Ressourcement: Ryan A. Brandt
Part Three: Christ, Contemporary Culture, and Spiritual Formation
9. Old Testament Ethics and Spiritual Formation: S. Min Chun
10. Second Peter, Postmodernity, and Spiritual Formation: Le Chih Hsieh
11. The Holy Spirit, Supernatural Interventionism, and Spiritual Formation: J. Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu
12. Spiritual Formation through Failure and Faithful Perseverance: HaYoung Son
Epilogue: Spiritual Formation, Catholicity, and the Multicultural Communion of the Saints: John Frederick and Ryan A. Brandt
Contributors
General Index
Scripture Index
Journal Articles by Ryan A Brandt
Introduction to Catholicit y to read Scripture and do theology in the context of the history of t... more Introduction to Catholicit y to read Scripture and do theology in the context of the history of the church, or the Great Tradition as it is often called. 8 Part and parcel with this development, second, is the increasing number of volumes on ressourcement and (or) retrieval of the early and medieval church from an evangelical standpoint, 9 often connecting catholicity to questions of ethics, morality, and worship. 10 Third, and finally, there are a number of different attempts at constructive dialogue between major Christian denominations, including between Roman Catholics and Reformed, 11 Roman Catholics and Baptists, 12 and different Protestant denominations among themselves. 13 In short, within Christianity today, and evangelicalism in particular, there is a more explicit awareness of the importance of church tradition, on the one hand, and the catholicity of the church, on the other.
Journal of Biblical and Theological Studies (JBTS) is an academic journal focused on the fields o... more Journal of Biblical and Theological Studies (JBTS) is an academic journal focused on the fields of Bible and Theology from an inter-denominational point of view. The journal is comprised of an editorial board of scholars that represent several academic institutions throughout the world. JBTS is concerned with presenting high level original scholarship in an approachable way. Academic journals are often written by scholars for other scholars. They are technical in nature, assuming a robust knowledge of the field. There are fewer journals that seek to introduce biblical and theological scholarship that is also accessible to students. JBTS seeks to provide high-level scholarship and research to both scholars and students, which results in original scholarship that is readable and accessible. As an inter-denominational journal, JBTS is broadly evangelical. We accept contributions in all theological disciplines from any evangelical perspective. In particular, we encourage articles and book reviews within the fields of Old Testament, New Testament, Biblical Theology, Church History, Systematic Theology, Practical Theology, Philosophical Theology, Philosophy, and Ethics. Please see the guidelines for submission at jbtsonline.org. Since JBTS is a broadly evangelical journal there will often be a variety of views that are represented that align with the evangelical Christian faith within each journal issue. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily the views of the editors or the institutions that they represent.
Modern Christians often polarize the otherwise inseparable realities of academic reading and pers... more Modern Christians often polarize the otherwise inseparable realities of academic reading and personal reading of Scripture. While generally not declared outright, many Christians consider the two methods discontinuous. This article deems this bifurcation unnecessary and dangerous to the spiritual formation of individuals and the spiritual health of the church. It examines Bonaventure’s insightful use of the quadriga in order to contribute to today’s discussion of spiritual reading of Scripture. The article shall argue that (at least a variation of) Bonaventure’s quadrigal method ought to be retrieved today for the spiritual health of scholarship and the church. This thesis will be attained organically. It will first survey his proposed method of interpretation in his Breviloquium and Commentary on the Gospel of Luke; then, it will appeal to scriptural and pastoral support to show that his method is a helpful route for retrieval.
Book Chapters by Ryan A Brandt
John Frederick and Ryan A. Brandt, “Regula Catholica, Regula Interpretatio: A Summary and Way Forward for Theological Interpretation of Scripture,” in Theological Interpretation of Scripture as Spiritual Formation, ed. Ryan A. Brandt and John Frederick, pgs. 305-330, Biblical Interpretation Serie...
Abstract: This chapter proposes a consensus position on the nature of Scripture and the appropria... more Abstract: This chapter proposes a consensus position on the nature of Scripture and the appropriate commensurate methodologies for its theological interpretation. It asserts that TIS requires a more specific consensual catholic scriptural and interpretive benchmark than currently exists across the movement—a regula catholica (catholic rule) and a regula interpretatio (interpretation rule)—in order to be properly ecclesially-calibrated and in order to generate a biblically-faithful, spiritually-formative theological interpretation of Scripture. A four-fold framework is articulated that organizes common approaches to theological interpretation into a tangible, replicable cluster of interpretive techniques that serve the purpose of spiritually-formative scriptural analysis and exegesis. A critical engagement of the views of key TIS proponents is offered that argues for a scriptural ontology that is characterized by textual determinacy and textual integrity within the breadth of the catholic tradition across the ages. Lastly, building on the work of John Webster, a theological rationale is offered that demonstrates how the various aspects of a regula interpretatio are themselves instrumental for spiritual formation rather than functioning as merely human tools for the grammatical, historical, and literary analysis of the biblical text.
Keywords: TIS, paleo-orthodoxy, spiritual formation, Thomas Oden, St. Vincent of Lérins, regula fidei, John Webster, Stephen E. Fowl, Francis Watson, theological interpretation, literal sense, hermeneutics, Thomas Aquinas
Ryan A. Brandt and John Frederick, “The Shortcomings of the Historical-Critical Method and the Promise of Theological Interpretation of Scripture: A Short Survey of the Landscape and a New Proposal,” in Theological Interpretation of Scripture as Spiritual Formation, ed. Ryan A. Brandt and John Fr...
Academic expertise is essential. But have you ever wondered how it itself is spiritually formativ... more Academic expertise is essential. But have you ever wondered how it itself is spiritually formative? This book, coming from an interdisciplinary assortment of scholars, shows how the exegetical methods of Theological Interpretation of Scripture (TIS) are themselves spiritually formative. This book provides a diverse collection of essays that focus on theological interpretative methods that result in a unique transformational experience not achieved through historical-critical or grammatical-historical approaches alone. Renowned thinkers-such as biblical scholar Ben Witherington III, historical theologian Mark Elliott, and theologian Arthur Sutherland-o fer new works that explore how reading theologically can transform theology, cultures, and individuals. These new studies focus on the theological exegesis of such thinkers as Mother Teresa, Thomas Aquinas, Ignatius of Antioch, and Clement of Alexandria. The collection also includes several important and timely pieces that show how theological interpretation leads to moral formation within diverse cultural groups including African American and Latinx communities.
Editor of Journal Volumes by Ryan A Brandt
Journal of Biblical and Theological Studies (JBTS) is a peer reviewed academic journal focused on... more Journal of Biblical and Theological Studies (JBTS) is a peer reviewed academic journal focused on the fields of Bible and Theology from an inter-denominational point of view. The journal is comprised of an editorial board of scholars that represent several academic institutions throughout the world. JBTS is concerned with presenting high level original scholarship in an approachable way. Academic journals are often written by scholars for other scholars. They are technical in nature, assuming a robust knowledge of the field. There are fewer journals that seek to introduce biblical and theological scholarship that is also accessible to students. JBTS seeks to provide high-level scholarship and research to both scholars and students, which results in original scholarship that is readable and accessible. As an inter-denominational journal, JBTS is broadly evangelical. We accept contributions in all theological disciplines from any evangelical perspective. In particular, we encourage articles and book reviews within the fields of Old Testament, New Testament, Biblical Theology, Church History, Systematic Theology, Practical Theology, Philosophical Theology, Philosophy, and Ethics. Please see the guidelines for submission at jbtsonline.org. Since JBTS is a broadly evangelical journal there will often be a variety of views that are represented that align with the evangelical Christian faith within each journal issue. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily the views of the editors or the institutions that they represent.
Introduction to Catholicit y to read Scripture and do theology in the context of the history of t... more Introduction to Catholicit y to read Scripture and do theology in the context of the history of the church, or the Great Tradition as it is often called. 8 Part and parcel with this development, second, is the increasing number of volumes on ressourcement and (or) retrieval of the early and medieval church from an evangelical standpoint, 9 often connecting catholicity to questions of ethics, morality, and worship. 10 Third, and finally, there are a number of different attempts at constructive dialogue between major Christian denominations, including between Roman Catholics and Reformed, 11 Roman Catholics and Baptists, 12 and different Protestant denominations among themselves. 13 In short, within Christianity today, and evangelicalism in particular, there is a more explicit awareness of the importance of church tradition, on the one hand, and the catholicity of the church, on the other.
Papers by Ryan A Brandt
Academic expertise is essential. But have you ever wondered how it itself is spiritually formativ... more Academic expertise is essential. But have you ever wondered how it itself is spiritually formative? This book, coming from an interdisciplinary assortment of scholars, shows how the exegetical methods of Theological Interpretation of Scripture (TIS) are themselves spiritually formative. This book provides a diverse collection of essays that focus on theological interpretative methods that result in a unique transformational experience not achieved through historical-critical or grammatical-historical approaches alone. Renowned thinkers—such as biblical scholar Ben Witherington III, historical theologian Mark Elliott, and theologian Arthur Sutherland—offer new works that explore how reading theologically can transform theology, cultures, and individuals. These new studies focus on the theological exegesis of such thinkers as Mother Teresa, Thomas Aquinas, Ignatius of Antioch, and Clement of Alexandria. The collection also includes several important and timely pieces that show how theological interpretation leads to moral formation within diverse cultural groups including African American and Latinx communities. https://brill.com/display/title/63678?rskey=UDh2v3&result=4&contents=toc-50344
Ryan A. Brandt and John Frederick, eds., Theological Interpretation of Scripture as Spiritual Formation, Biblical Interpretation Series, vol. 206 (Leiden, Netherlands: Brill, 2023).
Academic expertise is essential. But have you ever wondered how it itself is spiritually formativ... more Academic expertise is essential. But have you ever wondered how it itself is spiritually formative? This book, coming from an interdisciplinary assortment of scholars, shows how the exegetical methods of Theological Interpretation of Scripture (TIS) are themselves spiritually formative. This book provides a diverse collection of essays that focus on theological interpretative methods that result in a unique transformational experience not achieved through historical-critical or grammatical-historical approaches alone. Renowned thinkers—such as biblical scholar Ben Witherington III, historical theologian Mark Elliott, and theologian Arthur Sutherland—offer new works that explore how reading theologically can transform theology, cultures, and individuals. These new studies focus on the theological exegesis of such thinkers as Mother Teresa, Thomas Aquinas, Ignatius of Antioch, and Clement of Alexandria. The collection also includes several important and timely pieces that show how theological interpretation leads to moral formation within diverse cultural groups including African American and Latinx communities.
https://brill.com/display/title/63678?rskey=UDh2v3&result=4&contents=toc-50344
IVP Academic Press, 2021
The church is called to grow in Christ. Yet too often, it ignores the practical dimensions of the... more The church is called to grow in Christ. Yet too often, it ignores the practical dimensions of the faith.
The church is one in Christ. Yet too often, it is divided by national, denominational, theological, and racial or ethnic boundaries.
The church is a global body of believers. Yet too often, it privileges a few voices and fails to recognize its own diversity.
In response, this volume offers a multi-denominational, multi-ethnic vision in which biblical scholars, theologians, and practitioners from around the world join together to pursue a cohesive yet diverse theology and praxis of spiritual formation for the global church.
Be fed in your faith by brothers and sisters from around the world.
CONTENTS
Acknowledgments
Introduction: Ryan A. Brandt and John Frederick
Part One: Biblical and Theological Study as Spiritual Formation
1. New Testament Theology and Spiritual Formation: Michael J. Gorman
2. Theological Education and Spiritual Formation: Sammy Alfaro
3. Biblical Faithfulness and Spiritual Formation: Alfred Olwa
4. Spiritual Theology and Spiritual Formation: An Integrative Methodology for a Global Approach: John H. Coe
Part Two: Acts and Elements of Worship as Spiritual Formation
5. Liturgy and Spiritual Formation: Engaging with Evelyn Underhill's Prayer Book: Robyn Wrigley-Carr
6. The Eucharist as Spiritual Formation: Markus Nikkanen
7. Sacrifice and Surrender as Spiritual Formation: John Frederick and Jonathan K. Sharpe
8. The Beatific Vision as Spiritual Formation: An Augustinian Ressourcement: Ryan A. Brandt
Part Three: Christ, Contemporary Culture, and Spiritual Formation
9. Old Testament Ethics and Spiritual Formation: S. Min Chun
10. Second Peter, Postmodernity, and Spiritual Formation: Le Chih Hsieh
11. The Holy Spirit, Supernatural Interventionism, and Spiritual Formation: J. Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu
12. Spiritual Formation through Failure and Faithful Perseverance: HaYoung Son
Epilogue: Spiritual Formation, Catholicity, and the Multicultural Communion of the Saints: John Frederick and Ryan A. Brandt
Contributors
General Index
Scripture Index
Introduction to Catholicit y to read Scripture and do theology in the context of the history of t... more Introduction to Catholicit y to read Scripture and do theology in the context of the history of the church, or the Great Tradition as it is often called. 8 Part and parcel with this development, second, is the increasing number of volumes on ressourcement and (or) retrieval of the early and medieval church from an evangelical standpoint, 9 often connecting catholicity to questions of ethics, morality, and worship. 10 Third, and finally, there are a number of different attempts at constructive dialogue between major Christian denominations, including between Roman Catholics and Reformed, 11 Roman Catholics and Baptists, 12 and different Protestant denominations among themselves. 13 In short, within Christianity today, and evangelicalism in particular, there is a more explicit awareness of the importance of church tradition, on the one hand, and the catholicity of the church, on the other.
Journal of Biblical and Theological Studies (JBTS) is an academic journal focused on the fields o... more Journal of Biblical and Theological Studies (JBTS) is an academic journal focused on the fields of Bible and Theology from an inter-denominational point of view. The journal is comprised of an editorial board of scholars that represent several academic institutions throughout the world. JBTS is concerned with presenting high level original scholarship in an approachable way. Academic journals are often written by scholars for other scholars. They are technical in nature, assuming a robust knowledge of the field. There are fewer journals that seek to introduce biblical and theological scholarship that is also accessible to students. JBTS seeks to provide high-level scholarship and research to both scholars and students, which results in original scholarship that is readable and accessible. As an inter-denominational journal, JBTS is broadly evangelical. We accept contributions in all theological disciplines from any evangelical perspective. In particular, we encourage articles and book reviews within the fields of Old Testament, New Testament, Biblical Theology, Church History, Systematic Theology, Practical Theology, Philosophical Theology, Philosophy, and Ethics. Please see the guidelines for submission at jbtsonline.org. Since JBTS is a broadly evangelical journal there will often be a variety of views that are represented that align with the evangelical Christian faith within each journal issue. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily the views of the editors or the institutions that they represent.
Modern Christians often polarize the otherwise inseparable realities of academic reading and pers... more Modern Christians often polarize the otherwise inseparable realities of academic reading and personal reading of Scripture. While generally not declared outright, many Christians consider the two methods discontinuous. This article deems this bifurcation unnecessary and dangerous to the spiritual formation of individuals and the spiritual health of the church. It examines Bonaventure’s insightful use of the quadriga in order to contribute to today’s discussion of spiritual reading of Scripture. The article shall argue that (at least a variation of) Bonaventure’s quadrigal method ought to be retrieved today for the spiritual health of scholarship and the church. This thesis will be attained organically. It will first survey his proposed method of interpretation in his Breviloquium and Commentary on the Gospel of Luke; then, it will appeal to scriptural and pastoral support to show that his method is a helpful route for retrieval.
John Frederick and Ryan A. Brandt, “Regula Catholica, Regula Interpretatio: A Summary and Way Forward for Theological Interpretation of Scripture,” in Theological Interpretation of Scripture as Spiritual Formation, ed. Ryan A. Brandt and John Frederick, pgs. 305-330, Biblical Interpretation Serie...
Abstract: This chapter proposes a consensus position on the nature of Scripture and the appropria... more Abstract: This chapter proposes a consensus position on the nature of Scripture and the appropriate commensurate methodologies for its theological interpretation. It asserts that TIS requires a more specific consensual catholic scriptural and interpretive benchmark than currently exists across the movement—a regula catholica (catholic rule) and a regula interpretatio (interpretation rule)—in order to be properly ecclesially-calibrated and in order to generate a biblically-faithful, spiritually-formative theological interpretation of Scripture. A four-fold framework is articulated that organizes common approaches to theological interpretation into a tangible, replicable cluster of interpretive techniques that serve the purpose of spiritually-formative scriptural analysis and exegesis. A critical engagement of the views of key TIS proponents is offered that argues for a scriptural ontology that is characterized by textual determinacy and textual integrity within the breadth of the catholic tradition across the ages. Lastly, building on the work of John Webster, a theological rationale is offered that demonstrates how the various aspects of a regula interpretatio are themselves instrumental for spiritual formation rather than functioning as merely human tools for the grammatical, historical, and literary analysis of the biblical text.
Keywords: TIS, paleo-orthodoxy, spiritual formation, Thomas Oden, St. Vincent of Lérins, regula fidei, John Webster, Stephen E. Fowl, Francis Watson, theological interpretation, literal sense, hermeneutics, Thomas Aquinas
Ryan A. Brandt and John Frederick, “The Shortcomings of the Historical-Critical Method and the Promise of Theological Interpretation of Scripture: A Short Survey of the Landscape and a New Proposal,” in Theological Interpretation of Scripture as Spiritual Formation, ed. Ryan A. Brandt and John Fr...
Academic expertise is essential. But have you ever wondered how it itself is spiritually formativ... more Academic expertise is essential. But have you ever wondered how it itself is spiritually formative? This book, coming from an interdisciplinary assortment of scholars, shows how the exegetical methods of Theological Interpretation of Scripture (TIS) are themselves spiritually formative. This book provides a diverse collection of essays that focus on theological interpretative methods that result in a unique transformational experience not achieved through historical-critical or grammatical-historical approaches alone. Renowned thinkers-such as biblical scholar Ben Witherington III, historical theologian Mark Elliott, and theologian Arthur Sutherland-o fer new works that explore how reading theologically can transform theology, cultures, and individuals. These new studies focus on the theological exegesis of such thinkers as Mother Teresa, Thomas Aquinas, Ignatius of Antioch, and Clement of Alexandria. The collection also includes several important and timely pieces that show how theological interpretation leads to moral formation within diverse cultural groups including African American and Latinx communities.
Journal of Biblical and Theological Studies (JBTS) is a peer reviewed academic journal focused on... more Journal of Biblical and Theological Studies (JBTS) is a peer reviewed academic journal focused on the fields of Bible and Theology from an inter-denominational point of view. The journal is comprised of an editorial board of scholars that represent several academic institutions throughout the world. JBTS is concerned with presenting high level original scholarship in an approachable way. Academic journals are often written by scholars for other scholars. They are technical in nature, assuming a robust knowledge of the field. There are fewer journals that seek to introduce biblical and theological scholarship that is also accessible to students. JBTS seeks to provide high-level scholarship and research to both scholars and students, which results in original scholarship that is readable and accessible. As an inter-denominational journal, JBTS is broadly evangelical. We accept contributions in all theological disciplines from any evangelical perspective. In particular, we encourage articles and book reviews within the fields of Old Testament, New Testament, Biblical Theology, Church History, Systematic Theology, Practical Theology, Philosophical Theology, Philosophy, and Ethics. Please see the guidelines for submission at jbtsonline.org. Since JBTS is a broadly evangelical journal there will often be a variety of views that are represented that align with the evangelical Christian faith within each journal issue. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily the views of the editors or the institutions that they represent.
Introduction to Catholicit y to read Scripture and do theology in the context of the history of t... more Introduction to Catholicit y to read Scripture and do theology in the context of the history of the church, or the Great Tradition as it is often called. 8 Part and parcel with this development, second, is the increasing number of volumes on ressourcement and (or) retrieval of the early and medieval church from an evangelical standpoint, 9 often connecting catholicity to questions of ethics, morality, and worship. 10 Third, and finally, there are a number of different attempts at constructive dialogue between major Christian denominations, including between Roman Catholics and Reformed, 11 Roman Catholics and Baptists, 12 and different Protestant denominations among themselves. 13 In short, within Christianity today, and evangelicalism in particular, there is a more explicit awareness of the importance of church tradition, on the one hand, and the catholicity of the church, on the other.
Academic expertise is essential. But have you ever wondered how it itself is spiritually formativ... more Academic expertise is essential. But have you ever wondered how it itself is spiritually formative? This book, coming from an interdisciplinary assortment of scholars, shows how the exegetical methods of Theological Interpretation of Scripture (TIS) are themselves spiritually formative. This book provides a diverse collection of essays that focus on theological interpretative methods that result in a unique transformational experience not achieved through historical-critical or grammatical-historical approaches alone. Renowned thinkers—such as biblical scholar Ben Witherington III, historical theologian Mark Elliott, and theologian Arthur Sutherland—offer new works that explore how reading theologically can transform theology, cultures, and individuals. These new studies focus on the theological exegesis of such thinkers as Mother Teresa, Thomas Aquinas, Ignatius of Antioch, and Clement of Alexandria. The collection also includes several important and timely pieces that show how theological interpretation leads to moral formation within diverse cultural groups including African American and Latinx communities. https://brill.com/display/title/63678?rskey=UDh2v3&result=4&contents=toc-50344
BRILL eBooks, Dec 15, 2022
BRILL eBooks, Dec 15, 2022
Abstract: This chapter proposes a consensus position on the nature of Scripture and the appropria... more Abstract: This chapter proposes a consensus position on the nature of Scripture and the appropriate commensurate methodologies for its theological interpretation. It asserts that TIS requires a more specific consensual catholic scriptural and interpretive benchmark than currently exists across the movement—a regula catholica (catholic rule) and a regula interpretatio (interpretation rule)—in order to be properly ecclesially-calibrated and in order to generate a biblically-faithful, spiritually-formative theological interpretation of Scripture. A four-fold framework is articulated that organizes common approaches to theological interpretation into a tangible, replicable cluster of interpretive techniques that serve the purpose of spiritually-formative scriptural analysis and exegesis. A critical engagement of the views of key TIS proponents is offered that argues for a scriptural ontology that is characterized by textual determinacy and textual integrity within the breadth of the catholic tradition across the ages. Lastly, building on the work of John Webster, a theological rationale is offered that demonstrates how the various aspects of a regula interpretatio are themselves instrumental for spiritual formation rather than functioning as merely human tools for the grammatical, historical, and literary analysis of the biblical text. Keywords: TIS, paleo-orthodoxy, spiritual formation, Thomas Oden, St. Vincent of Lérins, regula fidei, John Webster, Stephen E. Fowl, Francis Watson, theological interpretation, literal sense, hermeneutics, Thomas Aquinas
Journal of Spiritual Formation and Soul Care, 2017
Modern Christians often polarize the otherwise inseparable realities of academic reading and pers... more Modern Christians often polarize the otherwise inseparable realities of academic reading and personal reading of Scripture. While generally not declared outright, many Christians consider the two methods discontinuous. This article deems this bifurcation unnecessary and dangerous to the spiritual formation of individuals and the spiritual health of the church. It examines Bonaventure's insightful use of the quadriga in order to contribute to today's discussion of spiritual reading of Scripture. The article shall argue that (at least a variation of) Bonaventure's quadrigal method ought to be retrieved today for the spiritual health of scholarship and the church. This thesis will be attained organically. It will first survey his proposed method of interpretation in his Breviloquium and Commentary on the Gospel of Luke; then, it will appeal to scriptural and pastoral support to show that his method is a helpful route for retrieval.
Perichoresis, 2017
The beatific vision is a subject of considerable importance both in the Christian Scriptures and ... more The beatific vision is a subject of considerable importance both in the Christian Scriptures and in the history of Christian dogmatics. In it, humans experience and see the perfect immaterial God, which represents the final end for the saints. However, this doctrine has received less attention in the contemporary theological literature, arguably, due in part to the growing trend toward materialism and the sole emphasis on bodily resurrection in Reformed eschatology. As a piece of retrieval by drawing from the Scriptures, Medieval Christianity, and Reformed Christianity, we motivate a case for the Reformed emphasis on the immaterial and intellectual aspects of human personal eschatology and offer some constructive thoughts on how to link it to the contemporary emphasis of the body. We draw a link between the soul and the body in the vision with the help of Christology as reflected in the theology of John Calvin, and, to a greater extent, the theology of both John Owen and Jonathan Ed...
Because of the neglect and dichotomization in evangelical theology, this dissertation provides an... more Because of the neglect and dichotomization in evangelical theology, this dissertation provides an evangelical ressourcement for the external and internal reality of revelation. By using resources from Scripture, the history of the church, and systematic theology, it argues that revelation includes external and internal dimensions that are organically united in the triune God. This construal is clear within the Bible and church history, and its biblical and historical presence carries implications towards the construction of a systematic theology of revelation and a practical understanding within the church. The dissertation argues that revelation is external and internal, whether a revelation occurs objectively to the human person in the form of a disclosure of information (external) or subjectively to the human person in the form of an unveiling of perception (internal). The argument is developed by utilizing a biblical, historical, systematic, and practical theology of revelation. Accordingly, after a brief introduction to the contemporary scene in chapter 1, this dissertation addresses biblical theology in chapters 2 (Old Testament) and 3 (New Testament), historical theology in chapter 4, systematic theology in chapter 5, and practical theology in chapter 6.
Perichoresis
What may seem astonishing is the near dismissal of the beatific vision doctrine in the last 50+ y... more What may seem astonishing is the near dismissal of the beatific vision doctrine in the last 50+ years of biblical and theological scholarship in contrast to the emphasis given to it throughout church history. The state of theological scholarship is changing. In what follows, we set forth a short survey of a theology of the beatific vision, while also introducing the rest of the volume on the beatific vision and theosis, of which we take to have an intimate and overlapping relationship. The editorial article has four parts: it begins by (1) introducing some of the relevant biblical material on the vision, proceeding to (2) develop a theological interpretation of those passages, and then (3) offer a short historical survey of the doctrine, focusing on the relevant medieval and Reformed developments. It finally (4) introduces the articles of the issue.
The beatific vision is a subject of considerable importance both in the Christian Scriptures and ... more The beatific vision is a subject of considerable importance both in the Christian Scriptures and in the history of Christian dogmatics. In it, humans experience and see the perfect immaterial God, which represents the final end for the saints. However, this doctrine has received less attention in the contemporary theological literature, arguably, due in part to the growing trend toward materialism and the sole emphasis on bodily resurrection in Reformed eschatology. As a piece of retrieval by drawing from the Scriptures, Medieval Christianity, and Reformed Christianity, we motivate a case for the Reformed emphasis on the immaterial and intellectual aspects of human personal eschatology and offer some constructive thoughts on how to link it to the contemporary emphasis of the body. We draw a link between the soul and the body in the vision with the help of Christology as reflected in the theology of John Calvin, and, to a greater extent, the theology of both John Owen and Jonathan Edwards.
The Journal of Biblical and Theological Studies is accepting article submissions for an upcoming ... more The Journal of Biblical and Theological Studies is accepting article submissions for an upcoming general issue (Fall 2024).
Journal of Biblical and Theological Studies , 2025
Design-Engaged Arguments Across Science and Theology Collectively, "Cosmic Mind, Divine Action, a... more Design-Engaged Arguments Across Science and Theology Collectively, "Cosmic Mind, Divine Action, and Design-Engaged Theology" draws on intelligent design theory to make the case for a God who cares-and for what that means as humans seek to join God's redemptive mission in crucial areas of human thinking, responsibility, and life. This special issue is based on a conference that is the first initiation into design-engaged theology. The presenters there (e.g.,
JBTS, 2023
This special issue of JBTS will seek to study modern evangelicalism as primarily a religious move... more This special issue of JBTS will seek to study modern evangelicalism as primarily a religious movement within the deep, rich history of Christianity, rather than as a cultural or political phenomenon. Thus, articles in this issue will seek to answer the following question: What significant yet perhaps overlooked intellectual, devotional, and missional issues shaped twentieth-century evangelicalism? Contributions which focus on understudied books, debates, practices, and individuals are especially welcome, as are contributions which address evangelicalism outside of North America.
Reformed theology provides fertile soil for theological accounts of the final end of humanity. Th... more Reformed theology provides fertile soil for theological accounts of the final end of humanity. This special issue aims to better understand and appreciate the Reformed contribution and its helpfulness towards constructive accounts of the vision and theosis. We invite article submissions that provide constructive accounts of the beatific vision and theosis. The article submission should be 8,000 words and written in Sage Harvard Referencing System. For further questions, contact the editors, Drs. Joshua R. Farris (jfarris@hbu.edu) or Ryan A. Brandt (ryan.brandt@gcu.edu).
Hello philosophy friends: If you or someone you know is interested in being the "Book Review Ed... more Hello philosophy friends:
If you or someone you know is interested in being the "Book Review Editor of Philosophy of Religion and Apologetics" for the Journal of Biblical and Theological Studies, let me know. The spot is opening in August 2017. Contact me for further details.
Because of the neglect and dichotomization in evangelical theology, this dissertation provides an... more Because of the neglect and dichotomization in evangelical theology, this dissertation provides an evangelical ressourcement for the external and internal reality of revelation. By using resources from Scripture, the history of the church, and systematic theology, it argues that revelation includes external and internal dimensions that are organically united in the triune God. This construal is clear within the Bible and church history, and its biblical and historical presence carries implications towards the construction of a systematic theology of revelation and a practical understanding within the church. The dissertation argues that revelation is external and internal, whether a revelation occurs objectively to the human person in the form of a disclosure of information (external) or subjectively to the human person in the form of an unveiling of perception (internal). The argument is developed by utilizing a biblical, historical, systematic, and practical theology of revelation. Accordingly, after a brief introduction to the contemporary scene in chapter 1, this dissertation addresses biblical theology in chapters 2 (Old Testament) and 3 (New Testament), historical theology in chapter 4, systematic theology in chapter 5, and practical theology in chapter 6.
The South African Theological Seminary Annual Conference , 2023
***The recording of the paper can be viewed in the link of the attached PDF*** The subject o... more ***The recording of the paper can be viewed in the link of the attached PDF***
The subject of contemplation and its place in the life of a believer is an ongoing conversation in the academy and church, with several books from major publishers coming out within the last few years alone. One particularly overlooked aspect of contemplation is the relationship it has with the created world and ethical transformation. This paper connects these themes together, showing how the created world is a medium through which to see God and thus contemplate him for the purposes of transformation. As I define it, echoing Thomas Aquinas and John Webster, contemplation is captivated attention to and enjoyment of the Triune God. It is an action that culminates in a spiritual rest in God. This paper shows how God can be contemplated through the created world, using especially the example of gazing upon the stars in astronomical viewing. Namely, the created world is a medium through which to know and experience God more fully. The paper then elaborates several ways that the contemplation of God in creation relates to ethical transformation and concludes by noting the areas of significance for the church today.
Modern Christians often polarize the otherwise inseparable realities of academic reading and pers... more Modern Christians often polarize the otherwise inseparable realities of academic reading and personal reading of Scripture. While generally not declared outright, many Christians consider the two methods discontinuous. This paper considers this bifurcation unnecessary and dangerous to the spiritual formation of individuals and the spiritual health of the church. It examines Bonaventure’s insightful use of the sensus plenior in order to contribute to today’s discussion of spiritual reading of Scripture.
The paper will argue that Bonaventure’s reading of Scripture can and ought to be retrieved by Christians today. The paper will argue this in three stages. First, the paper will explore and summarize Bonaventure’s spiritual hermeneutic as found in his Commentary on Luke and his theological primer, Breviloquium. The paper will pay special attention to his understanding of Scripture’s fourfold sense: Literal, tropological, allegorical, and anagogical senses. The paper will then contribute to the discussions today by suggesting how Christians can incorporate Bonaventure’s method of spiritual reading, offering three concrete examples of the spiritual reading of Luke 4:18, 24: 44-45, and 9:28-31. The paper will finally conclude with an engaging discussion on why spiritual reading like Bonaventure’s is not only helpful but necessary for the spiritual health of the church. While this paper seeks to engage Bonaventure on a scholarly level, it also seeks to speak winsomely and pastorally about the importance of a properly spiritual reading of Scripture.
Contemplation has become a controversial topic in the evangelical world. Some have even questione... more Contemplation has become a controversial topic in the evangelical world. Some have even questioned its reality, usefulness, and application to the Christian worldview. While recognizing the possibility for theological distortion, this paper seeks to defend the biblical and theological concept of contemplation. It argues that contemplation is clearly discerned in the Bible and imperative to a gospel-centered theology of hermeneutics and prayer. The paper begins by defining contemplation as the personal and ruminating aspect of communion with God in Christ by the Spirit. It then assesses contemplation in Scripture itself, averring that it is clearly discerned in the petitionary and ascent psalms of David, the high priestly prayer of Jesus, and the doctrine of union with Christ in Paul. The paper afterwards explores contemplation in light of a gospel-centered theology. Using the lectio divina and the fourfold sense of Scripture as examples, it maintains that contemplation is the necessary result of reading Scripture personally and appropriately; moreover, in light of a theology of communion with God in Christ, it asserts that an understanding of contemplation is imperative to a practical life of prayer. In the course of argument, the paper will appropriate resources from Bonaventure, John Calvin, Jonathan Edwards, Herman Bavinck, Thomas Keating, and Esther Meek.
In light of the selected theme of the upcoming meeting of the society, this paper examines the Ap... more In light of the selected theme of the upcoming meeting of the society, this paper examines the Apostle Paul’s understanding of one central element of the kingdom, that is, revelation. By tracing some of Paul’s pertinent arguments throughout his epistles, the paper asserts that, according to Paul, the idea of revelation contains both external and internal dimensions. In other words, revelation may refer to realities that occur (1) objectively to the human person in the form of a disclosure of information (the external Word of Scripture) and (2) subjectively to the human person in the form of an unveiling of perception (the internal Spirit of illumination). This thesis will be attained organically: first, by introducing Paul’s broader understanding of revelation in the natural world and human conscience; next, by explaining the relationship between revelation as the Holy Scripture (external word) and as the Holy Spirit (internal illumination); and finally, by explicitly detailing his understanding of the external and internal dimensions. At the end of the day, the paper suggests that both dimensions of revelation, Word and Spirit, ought to be held closely together. The former is necessary to have a saving knowledge of the gospel, and the latter is necessary to open our minds to perceive this saving knowledge in a personal manner.
In light of the selected theme of the forthcoming meeting of the society, this paper examines one... more In light of the selected theme of the forthcoming meeting of the society, this paper examines one central element of the kingdom, that is, revelation. The paper shall explore general and special revelation through the traditional philosophical delineations of the principia cognoscendi (the term that Aristotle used to denote the primary source, ground, or cause of all knowledge). As such, by using the substructure of the principia, the paper shall argue that both the general sciences (general revelation) and theology (special revelation) include external and internal dimensions. In other words, they each include (1) an external or objective reality to be known and (2) the internal or subjective ability to know it. The paper shall accomplish this argument, first, by surveying the external and internal principia cognoscendi of the general sciences, and, second, by exploring the corresponding principia of theology. The paper shall then summarize the principia cognoscendi of science and theology and parallel them to general revelation and special revelation, respectively. It shall finally conclude by discussing the unity of revelation through the principium essendi (triune God), who likewise holds the two principia cognoscendi together in his one organic act of revelation. In the course of argument, the paper will appropriate resources from Michael Polanyi, Esther Meek, John Macquarrie, Alvin Plantinga, and Reformed theology/philosophy.
In light of the selected theme of the forthcoming meeting of the society, this paper examines the... more In light of the selected theme of the forthcoming meeting of the society, this paper examines the theological method of interpretation of one of the most prolific medieval commentators, Saint Bonaventure. By using primarily Bonaventure’s Commentary on the Gospel of Luke, the paper shall argue that Bonaventure’s theological method of interpretation consists of three interrelated dimensions: the Christocentric, the quadrigal, and the intra-canonical. Namely, it shall argue that Bonaventure regards Christ as Scripture’s material, formal, and efficient principle, interprets Scripture through the fourfold sense, and construes Scripture in light of the canon of Scripture. This thesis will be attained organically: first by providing a brief orientating biography of Bonaventure, then by surveying his proposed method of interpretation in Breviloquium, next by evaluating three passages from his Commentary on the Gospel of Luke, and then by extrapolating his unique contributions in light of the thesis. It shall finally conclude by addressing some general observations and appraisals of Bonaventure’s method, especially as it relates to theological methods of interpretation today.
In light of the selected theme of the forthcoming meeting of the society, this paper will examine... more In light of the selected theme of the forthcoming meeting of the society, this paper will examine the philosophical nature of the idea of revelation. The paper will argue that revelation properly includes both the external object (i.e., Scripture) and the internal subject (i.e., illumination). It shall demonstrate the thesis first by broadly surveying the potential problems related to one-sided understandings of revelation, then by representing a more helpful way to formulate the concept of revelation, and finally by illustrating how speech act theory benefits this organically united conception of revelation. As the paper shall conclude, it will suggest that revelation, correctly conceived, is an organic act of God whereby he personally confronts the whole individual—his or her mind, heart, and will. Revelation is thus internal and external communication.