Theology of Scripture in Ecclesial Context: The Church's Book

The role of varied understanding of the church in the doctrine and interpretation of Scripture is a central question in Brad East's book, "The Church's Book." East explores the impact of different theological accounts of the church on the interpretation of the Bible, drawing on the works of Karl Barth, John Webster, Robert Jenson, and John Howard Yoder. He argues that the differences in understanding Scripture are less determined by hermeneutical approaches and more by ecclesiological disagreements.

East's examination of these theologians' works provides new insights into the current impasse among Christians in their interpretations of Scripture. This impasse, East argues, is closely tied to differing understandings of the church. The theological interpretation of Scripture, which emphasizes reading the Bible in a way that foregrounds confessional convictions and interests, is particularly relevant to East's analysis. He suggests that this approach to Scripture is inseparable from ecclesiological questions, meaning that the way we interpret the Bible theologically is dependent upon the context in which we interpret it.

In light of the current prominence of the theological interpretation of Scripture, East's study of the impact of ecclesiology on biblical interpretation is especially significant. By highlighting the distinct understandings of Scripture embedded in different theological traditions, East sheds light on the underlying sources of division among Christians and offers a path toward understanding and reconciliation. His work serves as a reminder that the interpretation of Scripture is not just a matter of hermeneutics, but is deeply intertwined with ecclesiological considerations.

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