The story that shapes us: biblical theology as a lens on practical theology

ABSTRACT

The role of the Bible within practical theology and Christian formation more generally continues to be a topic of debate. In this article, I explore the use of the Bible in practical theology through the lens of biblical theology, a sibling discipline that is also concerned for the role of Scripture in the life of faith. As well as describing differences between the disciplines, I seek to show how biblical theology offers some distinct challenges to the way in which many practical theologians use the Bible. I also trace key themes within biblical theology in the work of three British practical theologians, all of whom attend closely to the breadth of the story that Scripture tells.

KEYWORDS:

• Bible
• biblical theology
• canon
• hermeneutics
• practical theology

Notes

1 While Klink and Lockett (2012) identify five ‘types’ of BT on a spectrum between ‘historical’ and ‘theological’, only type 1 is concerned purely with ‘historical description’.

2 The issue is made complex by the variety of approaches within BT, with one of the five ‘types’ of BT surveyed by Klink and Lockett showing significant overlaps with Theological Interpretation (2012, 157–168; cf., also Treier 2008). Some scholars – such as Craig Bartholomew – also write within both disciplines. Despite these qualifications, there does remain a general distinction between BT and Theological Interpretation, as Bartholomew’s own discussion of BT demonstrates (2005).

3 In their discussion of five ‘types’ of Biblical Theology, Klink and Lockett (2012) note that a narrative approach is especially prominent in type 3, ‘Biblical Theology as Worldview-Story’, and yet the significance of story is also highlighted in types 1 (‘Biblical Theology as Historical Description’) and 2 (‘Biblical Theology as History of Redemption’).

4 In this context, Bauckham notes the importance of avoiding ‘imposing premature eschatological closure’ on its reading of Scripture, even if the church still needs to ‘reclaim the biblical story’ within today’s postmodern context (Bauckham 2003b, 53).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ed Mackenzie

Ed Mackenzie is a lecturer in Biblical Theology and Mission and the Programme Lead for the BA Theology & Ministry Programme at Cliff College. He also co-director of Generation: The Centre for the Study of Youth, Children and Families Mission and Ministry.