Assessment of the ability of Graeme Goldsworthy's epochal macro-typological biblical-theological hermeneutic to let Scripture speak

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Assessment of the ability of Graeme Goldsworthy's epochal macro-typological biblical-theological hermeneutic to let Scripture speak

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title: Assessment of the ability of Graeme Goldsworthy's epochal macro-typological biblical-theological hermeneutic to let Scripture speak

creator: Webb, Beth

source: Original DSpace Handle https://myrrh.library.moore.edu.au/handle/10248/10482

date: 2017-04

type: Text

format: text

language: English

description: Abstract reads : "Throughout his career, Graeme Goldsworthy disseminated the Robinson-Hebert schema widely. This has had a significant impact, yet also received criticism. For some, Goldsworthy opened Scripture up to them, for others, he restricted its voice. This thesis assesses to what extent his three-epoch, macro-typological biblical theology allows Scripture to be heard without distortion.To assess this, the rationale behind Goldsworthy’s method is explored. Through this process three potential issues arise and are then assessed. Firstly his macro-typological schema shies away from details to prevent falling into allegory. This mutes the OT to some extent. It is argued that Goldsworthy’s work would benefit in a shift from being Christ-centred to being Christotelic so as to let the details breathe more. Secondly, it is asked if his three-epoch schema de-historicizes the prophets since he argues prophets mainly function to confirm types. It is found that the three epochs do function to remove the prophets from their original context and that a shift from typology as the overarching structure to progressive salvific history would be more appropriate. Thirdly, it is shown that unity in a theme leads to singularity. Even though themes are useful for interpretation, overall unity should be found in Christ rather than any given theme. In light of these findings the logical question to ask is if the real problem is the macro structure since this is what underpins all these issues. Is it a matter of making a shift in these three emphases or rather rejecting the model all together? Use of a macro structure is unavoidable as it is impossible to come to the text without some kind of framework. What is important is that the hermeneutical spiral is used and that exegetical priority is exhibited. However, it is also found that a great benefit of the macro structure is the way that it keeps the subjective firmly grounded in the objective, which allows the interpreter to ‘preach grace’ faithfully.Thus in returning to the question of if Goldsworthy’s model allows Scripture to speak, it is found that it facilitates this especially in regards to allowing one to keep God’s work central. However, it would benefit from shifting from a Christ-centre to Christotelic approach, from typology to progressive revelation as the overall base, seeing unity in Christ rather than a theme and finally, further use of the hermeneutical spiral."Chapter one: Introduction and methodChapter two: The Rationale behind Goldsworthy’s Christ centred Macro TypologyChapter three: Three potential issues of Goldsworthy’s Macro StructureChapter four: Are macro Structures valid interpretive methods?Chapter five: Final Conclusions

rights: In copyright: Date of publication plus 70 yearsThis item may be used for the purposes of research and study. Please acknowledge Beth Webb and that it is held by Moore Theological College.This digital item is accessible online to all.

subject: Goldsworthy, Graeme, 1934- ; Bible and tradition

publisher: Webb, Beth ; Moore Theological College

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