Hermeneutics: Principles and Procedures of Biblical Interpretation (Virkler)

For a long time, most theological debates have revolved around biblical hermeneutics. However, such an approach is now obsolete.

Hermeneutics is a current book in which the author addresses the following aspects:

1. Is it valid to analyze a text in only one aspect?

2. Does the divinely inspired biblical text have a broader meaning (sensus plenior) than what the human author intended?

3. To what extent should the Bible be interpreted "literally"?

4. Does our spiritual condition affect our ability to interpret the Scriptures?

5. Is the Bible infallible?

Henry A. Virkler poses the following: Considering what the author had in mind when writing a particular biblical text, what are the implications of that meaning for us in our time with a different culture?

A five-step hermeneutical procedure is recommended for every biblical text: (1) Contextual and historical-cultural analysis, (2) lexical-syntactic analysis, (3) theological analysis, (4) identification and analysis of literary genre, and (5) application.

Each chapter begins with student goals, numerous exercises, and suggestions for supplementary reading, concluding with a summary.