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In some ways, engaging the topic of virtue in a Christian context seems simple and obvious, so obvious that Christians should not encounter much disagreement and may even question its relevance. However, when the news headlines feature Christian rock-stars such as Mark Driscoll, Bill Hybells, and most recently, John Crist, to name a few, the question may have more relevance now than ever. The question is based on an assumption that a connection exists between virtue and interpretation, and more specifically, masterful interpretation.

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Hermeneutics as Apprenticeship: How the Bible Shapes Our Interpretive Habits and Practices

David Starling appropriately highlights four important risks associated with the assumption without immediately addressing them.[1] First, even Greek and Roman philosophers spent much effort in encouraging a virtuous life with its significant benefits. Accordingly, one would surmise that Greek and Roman philosophers may be some of the most masterful interpreters of Scripture. The implicit question at hand is how Greek virtue and Christian virtue differ. Second, Starling quotes Hauerwas and Pinches who suggest that Christian virtue can bear bad fruit. In other words, in some way, virtue can actually be harmful. Third, the idea of mastery becomes another issue. The concept is difficult to define. In fact, one wonders if a person who claims to have mastery over the Scriptures could possibly be virtuous. Finally, and most importantly, Starling asks whether virtue or character is something brought to Scripture or something formed by Scripture. The final question is the primary focus of this brief essay, as it is the key to resolving the remaining issues.

Starling, while expounding on John 5:44, emphasizes that fear and desire are significant culprits that bias interpretation.[2] Furthermore, it does not seem unreasonable to conclude that fear and desire may be the two primary forces that undermine character and virtue. For example, would Driscoll have fallen without the desire for power over people? Would Hybells have fallen without the desire to be adored by people? Most recently, it is difficult to even read the words of John Crist, “My greatest fear has been that those who have loved and supported me would hate me if they knew everything about me.”[3] Desire and fear dominate those who lack character. Unfortunately, the only thing more dangerous than desire and fear is the interpreters attempt to offer a life of character, devoid of desire and fear, to God and the Scriptures. Importantly, as Starling explains, the message that requires interpretation is simultaneously the means of overcoming the desire and fear that distort judgement as well as bias and impede proper interpretation.[4] In other words, the gospel must first set the interpreter free from desire and fear, before the individual can appropriately interpret the Scriptures. More specifically, if the gospel is something like the God of the universe inhabits me (Gal 2:20), calls me His child (2 Cor 6:18), completes me (Col 2:10), loves me (John 15:9), and gives me the gift of righteousness (Rom 5:15), then power over others, adoration from others, or success in the eyes of others would seem completely unnecessary. If Driscoll and Hybells understood the gospel, that they are already transferred in to a new cosmic reality in Christ, full of love and righteousness, then what desire is left to fill? Why would power and adoration be necessary? If Crist understood the gospel, why would it matter if others hated him…what is there to fear? Other people are not who make Crist who he is…God does. In other words, Craig Keener explains that character formation is a divine initiative, “The one who trusts in Christ’s work for being put right forensically should also trust in Christ’s work for being put right behaviorally.”[5] The questions posed in the prompt and at the beginning of the response can now be addressed.

First, the difference between Greek virtue and Christian virtue is significant. Christian virtue is empowered by a divine initiative. Second, when virtuous living is disconnected from the gospel, the result is bad fruit. Doing good for the purpose of obtaining power and adoration or pleasing others to overcome the fear of rejection, is not virtuous at all. If mastery of Scripture is possible, it is only because of a divine initiative that reveals God’s truth to the recipient within the context of the gospel. Finally, character cannot be anthropologically brought to Scripture. God and His communication through Scripture is the agent that forges the character necessary for proper interpretation. Accordingly, it is safe to assume that those who do not advance spiritually do so because they resist the divine initiative, thus cannot be masterful interpreters. Next, it is not possible to grow spiritually via the power of the divine initiative and be stunted in understanding God’s Word. God’s empowerment cannot stunt God’s revelation. What this reveals about the centrality of Scripture is that the impact of Scripture is directly correlated to God’s divine work.

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[1] See discussion provided by David I. Starling, Hermeneutics as Apprenticeship: How the Bible Shapes Our Interpretive Habits and Practices (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2016), 47–48.

[2] Ibid., 123–24.

[3] Taylor Berglund, “John Crist Cancels 2019 Tour Dates After Reports of Sexting, Harassment, Manipulation,” Charisma News, November 6, 2019, accessed November 11, 2019, https://www.charismanews.com/us/78703-john-crist-cancels-2019-tour-dates-after-reports-of-sexting-harassment-manipulation; emphasis added.

[4] Starling, Hermeneutics as Apprenticeship, 128.

[5] Craig S. Keener, The Mind of the Spirit: Paul’s Approach to Transformed Thinking (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2016), 134.

 

Bibliography

  • Keener, Craig S. The Mind of the Spirit: Paul’s Approach to Transformed Thinking. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2016.
  • Starling, David I. Hermeneutics as Apprenticeship: How the Bible Shapes Our Interpretive Habits and Practices. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2016.
Wilder - Virtue and Biblical Exegesis
Derek Wilder Executive Director
DEREK WILDER, PhD, is the Executive Director of Lives Transforming Group, Inc., a Christian counseling ministry focused on personal transformation, and the author of FREEDOM and Minds on Fire. Wilder has a Master of Theological Studies, an MDiv in Pastoral Counseling, and a PhD in Biblical Exposition. Wilder's scholarly focus lies in Pauline studies, with his doctoral dissertation specifically examining the ontological implications present in the eighth chapter of Paul's Epistle to the Romans. Wilder, an adjunct professor, founded Convergence Therapy, integrating cognitive therapy and grace-based theology into the accredited college course: “Thought Life & Spirit Growth.”