Pedagogy of the Bible: An Analysis and Proposal – Book Review by Michael J. Thate

Theological education is in a state of self-examination, according to a new book by Dale B. Martin, a professor of Religious Studies at Yale University. In his book, “Pedagogy of the Bible: An Analysis and Proposal,” Martin offers a critical assessment of the current state of theological education, highlighting the dominance of the historical-critical method in biblical studies and the lack of interpretation theory in theological curricula.

Martin argues for a more holistic approach to biblical interpretation, advocating for the inclusion of various methods and theories alongside historical criticism. He emphasizes the importance of teaching students about interpretation theory and the nature of Scripture, urging educators to consider the role of human interpreters in creating meaning from texts.

The book also explores premodern biblical interpretation and theological approaches to Scripture, offering a suggested core curriculum that places Scripture at the center. Martin’s proposal includes teaching historical criticism as one among other ways of reading, integrating different disciplinary scholarship, and introducing practical disciplines throughout the educational process.

While Martin acknowledges that he has not solved the theological education riddle, his book serves as a call to think more deeply about theological education and offers valuable insights for administrators and educators in constructing their courses. “Pedagogy of the Bible” is sure to spark discussion and debate across theological spectrums, providing a fresh perspective on the future of theological education.