The Study of Theology: From Biblical Interpretation to Contemporary Formulation

The Study of Theology address two major concerns — the place of biblical hermeneutics and practical theology. The author discusses the hermeneutical implications of biblical, historical, systematic, and practical theology and presents a case for the relationship between exegesis and the other theological disciplines. However, the relationship between hermeneutics and practical theology is also essential. According to the author, 'the traditional forms of theology and preaching frequently fail the tests of exegesis and contemporary theologizing while, at the same time, most contemporary theology and exegesis fails to address directly the needs of the church.' Muller presents a case for the structure of hermeneutics and argues that it is essential to the church because 'theological training as a whole . . . ought to reflect the life of the church and be of value to the life of the church.'