This sensible, balanced work provides a clear overview of biblical hermeneutics: its history, method, and implementation. Ferguson combines several topics not usually found in a single volume: crucial theological issues and historical-philological questions, the complexities of interpreting the various types of biblical literature, ways to use the Bible in the life of the church, and examples of how the Bible has been and is interpreted. A comprehensive survey, Biblical Hermeneutics covers the field with an openness of perspective. Ferguson's well-organized introduction is an impressive resource for understanding and performing the task of biblical interpretation. ""What I like best about Duncan's books is that they are theologically balanced, generous to alternative viewpoints, and practical. Whether it is a basic introduction to theology or outlining the principles of good biblical interpretation, Duncan always keeps his audience in mind and meets them with useful insights. His work is very useable for church and adult study groups."" --Thomas F. Johnson, PhD,Professor of Religious Studies (ret.), George Fox University ""In this day of increasing ignorance about the Bible, when people have little sense of the content of scripture and media-exposed preachers use the Bible only as a prop, we need a sound, reliable, and engaging invitation to the text itself. I am grateful that Duncan Ferguson has given us just that. He is a knowledgable and trustworthy guide. No one will read this book and come away without new insight and a fresh sense of a much-needed Word for us today."" --Mark Valeri, The Reverend Priscilla Wood Neaves Distinguished Professor of Religion and Politics, The John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics, Washington University in St. Louis ""There is no innocent reading of Scripture! Every contemporary reader of the book of Psalms or the Gospel of Matthew engages those texts with a perspective formed consciously and unconsciously by cultural, religious, and personal biases. To add to the complexity, the biblical writings themselves were composed, revised, and collected by communities of faith in the westernmost edge of Asia over a period of several centuries and