This a through and methodological work which provides theologically based and a devout place to stand in the integration between critical work and faith. In bridging the gap between critical scholarship and traditional views on scripture, Sparks, takes in informative tour through hermeneutics, Assyriology, Patristic and Reformation Theology, with a plea to take Historical criticism more serious in evangelical circles.

In a brief summary Sparks proposes an approach to Scripture that incorporates the gains of critical scholarship into a view of the authority of the Bible.

1. Epistemology
2. Historical Criticism and Assyriology
3. The problem of Biblical Criticism
4. ”Traditional” Responses to Biblical Criticism
5. Constructive Responses to Biblical Criticism
6. The Genres of Human Discourse
7. The Genres of Divine Discourse
8. The Context of the Whole and Biblical Interpretation
9. Negotiating the Context of the Whole
10. Biblical Criticism and Christian Theology
    Conclusions: Biblical Criticism and Christian Institutions

Kenton L. Sparks is Professor of biblical studies and special assistant to the provost at Eastern University.