Many Roads Lead Eastward

Is there a gap between the academic study of the Bible and the work of theologians? What lies behind this gap? And most important, how have biblical scholars tried to bridge the gap with hermeneutical methods? This book addresses the exegesis vs. theology impasse and categorizes the most important attempts to bridge it over the past century, especially those of the last decades. These attempts are assessed and evaluated so that readers can see the philosophies undergirding each and the potential each has for a true theological interpretation of the Bible.Biblical scholarship has adopted one hermeneutic lens after another--each showing the insufficiency of its predecessor. Miller explains the validity of each school, and moves the reader to wonder when contemporary writers will likewise be deposed. Many Roads Lead Eastward is an engaging text that students and professors will appreciate.--Michael F. Steltenkamp, Department of Religious Studies and Theology, Wheeling Jesuit University This book argues that enabling Scripture to serve as 'the soul of theology' involves much more than biblical scholars engaging in paranesis, on the one hand, or in dialogue between biblicists and theologians, on the other. In doing so, the work seeks to fill a gap in discussions of theological exegesis and to address the gulf between 'serious scholarly work on the Bible' and that of 'practicing theologians.' Miller analyzes various hermeneutical models that in turn depend on particular understandings of revelation and inspiration. Ultimately he proposes an exegetical approach that encompasses a text's background, its canonical context, its trajectory into the New Testament, and history of interpretation in order to 'relate the text with contemporary experience, vocabulary and religious impact.' Readers concerned to hold together historical critical study of the Bible with theological exegesis will be sure to find something of interest here. Those conversant in the Roman Catholic documents on Scripture will also find the book of special interest.--Claire Mathews McGinnis, Professor, Department of Theology, College of Arts & Sciences, Loyola University MarylandIn this tightly written text, Robert Miller carves out a path to a biblical exegesis that boldly synthesizes modern scholarship with the quest to discern the truth of God's word as it impacts the world of today. --Dennis M. Doyle, Professor of Religious Studies, University of Dayton; Author of What Is Christianity? A Dynamic Introduction (2016)Robert D. Miller, II, OFS, is Associate Professor of the Old Testament at the Catholic University of America and a Research Associate in the Department of Old Testament Studies at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. He is the author of Chieftains of the Highland Clans (Wipf & Stock, 2012), Oral Tradition in Ancient Israel (Cascade Books, 2011), and Covenant and Grace in the Old Testament (2012).