The End of Interpretation: Reclaiming the Priority of Ecclesial Exegesis - Paperback

by R. R. Reno (Author)

Those who wish to interpret and understand the Bible face a fundamental question: How do I interpret Scripture faithfully? Theological interpretation is an approach that has received much attention in recent years, and R. R. Reno is a leading practitioner and proponent of this approach.

In The End of Interpretation, Reno's first full statement on the topic, he argues that Scripture is interpreted correctly only when it is read through the lens of creedal orthodoxy--that is, through the apostolic faith. The principle of accordance between doctrine and Scripture is of first importance for solid Christian interpretation.

Reno provides a simple explanation of this multifaceted approach. He wrestles with what makes interpretation "theological" and provides two historical case studies, discussing Origen and the Reformation debate over justification. He then demonstrates what theological interpretation looks like in practice, reflecting on Genesis 1, John 17, and 1 Corinthians. Reno's insights will benefit serious readers who seek to interpret Scripture faithfully.

Back Jacket

"Shows us what a truly ecclesial interpretation of the Bible looks like"

Arguing that Scripture is interpreted correctly only when read through the lens of creedal orthodoxy, R. R. Reno defends a classical model of interpretation.

"The End of Interpretation is both a bold claim about what it means to be biblical and a helpful illustration of the 'state of the art' of theological exegesis by one of its foremost proponents."
--Kevin J. Vanhoozer, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

"In this splendidly written and bracing text, Reno shows us what a truly ecclesial interpretation of the Bible looks like."
--Most Reverend Robert Barron, Bishop of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota

"An excellent treatment of the ever-present tension that all thoughtful Christians feel between biblical exegesis and theological statements, between the desire to maintain the uniqueness of biblical authority while also respecting the church's historic teaching. This book will be on the reading lists of my theology classes from now on."
--Carl R. Trueman, Grove City College

"With characteristic clarity, Reno dismantles the modern assumption that an intellectually responsible approach to the Bible requires setting theology aside and embracing some sort of mythical 'objectivity.' Instead, Reno here defends an approach to exegesis from within theology. A hopeful and encouraging read."
--Laura A. Smit, Calvin University

"In identifying the 'end' of interpretation, Reno plots the trajectory of something far greater than anything we've known in my lifetime: reading Scripture from the heart of the church--in the great tradition--and not surrendering it to the canons of the secular academy."
--Scott Hahn, Franciscan University of Steubenville

"This book may not have all the answers to the thorny questions of biblical hermeneutics after the demise of the historical-critical approach, but it at least points us in the right direction by advocating for the priority of ecclesial exegesis. Reno shows that true doctrine neither supersedes nor undermines the Bible but rather 'accords' with it. In premodern times, doctrine and exegesis informed each other, and they should do so again."
--Craig A. Carter, Tyndale University

Author Biography

R. R. Reno (PhD, Yale University) is editor of First Things. He taught theology at Creighton University for two decades. He is the author of many books, including Return of the Strong Gods and Resurrecting the Idea of a Christian Society, and has served as the general editor of the Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible series, for which he contributed the volume on Genesis.