Is there a “right” way to read The Bible? Millennia of Ink has been split trying to answer that question.

Surely if the Bible is God’s word it should be easier to understand, right?

Well, some experts think there is a right way to read scripture. What we need is a key to unlock the Bible for us.

Meet our guest

Links

Special thanks to our season sponsor Zondervan Academic. Get discounts on MasterLectures video courses and exclusive samples of their books at zondervanacademic.com/undeceptions

You can order a copy of Kevin’s latest book Mere Christian Hermeneutics: Transfiguring What It Means To Read The Bible Theologically here

A transcript of this episode, Bible Unlocked, is available here. Please note that due to software not all exchanges between guests will be completely accurate.

Extras

To Read

• Kevin Vanhoozer is one of the most respected theologians alive today. Check out his website here
• Hans-Georg Gadamer was one of the most influential philosophers of the 20th century, and an expert in hermeneutics. Check out his obituary, courtesy of the New York Times, here
• Religions throughout history have venerated mountains. This article looks at some sacred mountains around the world
• According to some, Isaac Newton was a huge fan of The Bible. You can find our Newton quote in this book, and our Charles Dickens quote here
• If you want to read more about the importance of hermeneutics, this Christianity Today article is a great starting point

To Watch

• Tom Scott is a wonderful YouTuber, with heaps of energy – check out his video on the Rosetta Stone here
• The West Wing is one of John’s favourite TV shows ever! Check out this hilarious scene on the “secret plan to fight inflation”
• … and here’s the other clip we played from that same episode
• If you’re confused by what Hermeneutics are, you’re not alone. This video will help you!

To Listen

• Hermeneutics involves understanding the context both of the audience and the writers. Our episode on Old Testament violence (with Helen Paynter) explores this theme too. Check it out here
• Check out our episode 12 Objects with Tim Challies here
• Kevin is no stranger to the podcast circuit. Here he is on the C.S. Lewis Institutes Questions That Matter show
• If your stuck with where to start with reading The Bible, check out our episode 100 Pages for some pointers!

… and finally

• John gets his pour-over and French Press coffees confused. Here’s a guide to different coffee styles so you don’t have the same problem