From Adolescence to Early Adulthood: The Maturation of Theological Interpretation in the Work of R. W. L. Moberly and Darren Sarisky

Abstract

The recent books of exegete R. W. L. Moberly (The God of the Old Testament) and theologian Darren Sarisky (Reading the Bible Theologically) provide an opportunity for taking stock of the “theological interpretation of Scripture” (hereafter TIS). Contemplating the broad hermeneutical commonalities of these two scholars, the present article will suggest that their books represent a moderate, mainstream version of TIS that is maturing out of adolescence into early adulthood. Supporting this suggestion will involve, first, setting the historical scene; second, sketching the two books’ hermeneutical contributions; and third, sharing some questions about sustaining the heritage that some TIS advocates seek to recover.