An Introduction to Mere Christian Hermeneutics

How should we interpret Scripture? Evangelical Bible readers today can feel torn between different emphases emerging from different church traditions and cultural backgrounds, and from differences between biblical and systematic theology. Can the gospel itself enable us to navigate these emphases in a way that we are enriched rather than pulled apart by this diversity?

Professor Kevin Vanhoozer, one of the foremost evangelical theologians of our generation, will explore whether the gospel might provide this way through. Drawing on his recent book Mere Christian Hermeneutics, Prof Vanhoozer will offer two talks examining the roots of our current interpretive divisions and setting out a robustly evangelical, gospel-centred approach to reading Scripture that can unite rather than fragment.

Why is biblical interpretation becoming more polarised? In his opening talk, Kevin Vanhoozer will explore the challenges of postmodernity and postcolonialism, making a case for a hermeneutic that centres on the gospel. Vanhoozer will then evaluate a common response to polarisation: a return to the literal sense of the text, and consider how this approach relates to theological or figural meaning in Scripture.

Is there a way forward for this fractured evangelical landscape? The second talk will turn to the transfiguration and the letters of Paul to find an answer. Vanhoozer will argue that the gospel itself provides a ‘Mere Christian Hermeneutic’ - a paradigmatic lens which helps us make sense of the relationship between the Old and New Covenants. Join us as we explore a way of reading that transcends our contemporary divisions, and unveils the glory of Christ on every page.Vanhoozer’s two talks will be followed by a short reflection by Dr Tim Laurence, Director of the Cambridge Christian Study Centre, on application to evangelical student ministry today.

Kevin Vanhoozer is one of the most influential evangelical theologians, and a leading voice in hermeneutics and theological method. He currently serves as Research Professor at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and is set to join the faculty at Wheaton College later this year. A perceptive scholar whose work has profoundly shaped contemporary evangelical thought, Vanhoozer is renowned for equipping pastors, students and scholars across the globe.

He earned his PhD here at the University of Cambridge, and previously taught at the University of Edinburgh. Beyond the academy, Vanhoozer serves as a Theological Mentor to the Augustine Fellowship and is an active member of the Lausanne Movement, and has held roles with the C.S. Lewis Institute and Church of Scotland. He has authored or edited over twenty influential books, including Is There a Meaning in this Text?, First Theology and the award-winning Dictionary for Theological Interpretation of the Bible.

• Introduction and Talk 1 by Prof Vanhoozer - 5:30-6:30
• Light Dinner (provided) - 6:30- 7:30
• Talk 2 by Prof Vanhoozer and Reflection by Dr Tim Laurence - 7:30-8:45

Info: Postmodernity, Post-colonialism and Polarisation in Biblical Interpretation

Info: A light catered dinner will be provided for all attendees. Please make sure to detail your dietary requirements with your ticket order form.

Info: Mere Christian Hermeneutics: A Way Forward for Evangelical Interpretation of Scripture

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Round Church, 9a Bridge Street, Cambridge, United Kingdom

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