Biblical Reasoning

How does systematic theology help us better read, understand, and interpret Scripture? In Biblical Reasoning, R. B. Jamieson and Tyler R. Wittman make a compelling and tested case presenting Christological and Trinitarian rules for exegesis.

See Jesus by Becoming a Disciple

The book articulates 7 principles for biblical reasoning — doctrinal rules intrinsic to Scripture that help guide exegesis. Principle 1 begins: “Holy Scripture presupposes and fosters readers whose end is the vision of Christ’s glory, and therein eternal life. Biblical reasoning must be ordered to this same end.” I saw different ways the Biblical text spoke of beholding Christ’s glory, with a note on the link between faith and sight. “Contemplation is a spiritual perception of Scripture’s deepest truths relating to Christ’s glory, in a manner that stirs up delight and conforms us to Christ.”

There is connection between becoming a disciple of Jesus and seeing him. This leads to Principle 2: “Everything Scripture says about God is part of God’s meticulous and wise pedagogy, by which God adapts the form of his wisdom to educate finite and fallen creatures o that we might see his glory.” This is how biblical reasoning fits within this larger context of divine teaching. “Since Scripture is the curriculum and God is the teacher, disciples are students.” God’s pedagogy is revealed to be adaptable, gradual, and formative.

Principle 3 concludes the first half of the book: “Scripture is the inspired, textual form of Christ’s teaching in which he is present to his people across time and space, leading us toward wisdom.” This means that Scripture must be read as a unity, learning how it forms and presupposes a larger theological vision. I enjoyed learning about the “exactness” and the “pressures” of Scripture.

Riveting and Provocative

The second part of the book focuses on Christological and Trinitarian rules for exegesis. I read them as case studies that also served to explain their rationale. Rules covered include God-fittingness, what is common and proper to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, inseparable operations, and appropriation of attributes to persons of the Trinity.

I was most interested when the principles focused on Christ, and the rules revolved around his personhood. I learned about partitive exegesis, which is how Scripture speaks of Christ in both divine and human terms. Biblical reasoning speaks of “registers” in order to contemplate the whole Christ. Seeing Jesus in this way allows you to speak of him without dividing him.

This book is a highly academic book, scholarly in nature yet worshipful throughout. I found the first part riveting, and the second part provocative. This book will challenge the layman and sharpen the pastor-theologian. I feel strengthened in my exegetical skills, ultimately striving for an informed and applicable dogmatic theology. I am better prepared to read Scripture well so I can see Christ more clear.

I received a media copy of Biblical Reasoning and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.