Overview

Why do contemporary Christians seem to routinely talk past one another amid contentious theological debates? In this illuminating study, Sean M. W. McGuire argues that interpreters' lack of self-critical reflection on the process of interpretation and compounding cultural factors are problematizing interpretive practice. Thus, to work through difficult topics, Christians need to develop the ability to reflect on the complexity informing how they interpret Scripture, and how they see others interpreting Scripture, so that they can coherently and constructively discuss their interpretations with others. Grounding the study in the discipline of practical theology, McGuire utilizes the cultural theory of metamodernism and the hermeneutics of Hans-Georg Gadamer (1900-2002), together with a proposed revision of the Wesleyan Quadrilateral, to develop a paradigm for observing and describing differences in biblical interpretive practice. Using current debates regarding sexuality as an illustrative example, the project reveals the complexity underlying contemporary interpretive practice, showing that amid this complexity the prioritization (or lack thereof) of theological reflection sources prompts certain interpretive conclusions. Perceiving the multivalent nature of interpretation, readers will be equipped to think carefully and critically about how they come to their biblical interpretive conclusions and how those conclusions inform transformed living in Christ.

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Reviews

"""As denominations tear themselves apart over issues of marriage and sexual ethics, we urgently need better and more hermeneutically reflective conversations about what the Bible means. Bringing Gadamer and practical theology together in this timely study, Se�n McGuire helps us see what's really going on beneath the surface of our disagreements."" --Andrew Judd, deputy principal, Ridley College ""In this timely book, Se�n McGuire offers a deep dive into the complexities of why Christians interpret the same Bible passages differently. Through an innovative combination of metamodernism and a revised Wesleyan quadrilateral, he methodically develops an analytical framework to help readers uncover roots of interpretative difference. With a practical theology sensibility, McGuire offers much food for thought both in his analysis and constructive proposals for transformative reading of the Scriptures."" --Andrew P. Rogers, associate professor of practical theology, University of Roehampton ""What might it look like for church leaders, when navigating ecclesial disagreement, to clearly articulate the main influences that have shaped their understanding? Taking the well-known Wesleyan Quadrilateral as a starting point, Se�n McGuire exemplifies an approach to talking about theological reflection that can help church leaders to speak more clearly and talk past one another less frequently. In the aftermath of postmodernism, this kind of practical meta-theology is badly needed."" --Christopher Land, associate professor of New Testament and linguistics, McMaster Divinity College ""Biblical Hermeneutics in the Metamodern Mood is an invaluable resource for helping followers of Jesus see scriptural interpretation with fresh eyes. With wisdom and acumen, Se�n McGuire enables readers to critically reflect on both their own hermeneutic while fostering a kind of thoughtful curiosity about interpretive lenses employed by others. In a time of increasing division, this book equips readers to engage with the sacred text in a way that is both faithful to their own context--body, time, place, communities, and traditions--and open to diverse perspectives."" --Dwight J. Friesen, professor of practical theology, The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology"

"""As denominations tear themselves apart over issues of marriage and sexual ethics, we urgently need better and more hermeneutically reflective conversations about what the Bible means. Bringing Gadamer and practical theology together in this timely study, Se�n McGuire helps us see what's really going on beneath the surface of our disagreements."" --Andrew Judd, deputy principal, Ridley College ""In this timely book, Se�n McGuire offers a deep dive into the complexities of why Christians interpret the same Bible passages differently. Through an innovative combination of metamodernism and a revised Wesleyan quadrilateral, he methodically develops an analytical framework to help readers uncover roots of interpretative difference. With a practical theology sensibility, McGuire offers much food for thought both in his analysis and constructive proposals for transformative reading of the Scriptures."" --Andrew P. Rogers, associate professor of practical theology, University of Roehampton ""What might it look like for church leaders, when navigating ecclesial disagreement, to clearly articulate the main influences that have shaped their understanding? Taking the well-known Wesleyan Quadrilateral as a starting point, Se�n McGuire exemplifies an approach to talking about theological reflection that can help church leaders to speak more clearly and talk past one another less frequently. In the aftermath of postmodernism, this kind of practical meta-theology is badly needed."" --Christopher Land, associate professor of New Testament and linguistics, McMaster Divinity College ""Biblical Hermeneutics in the Metamodern Mood is an invaluable resource for helping followers of Jesus see scriptural interpretation with fresh eyes. With wisdom and acumen, Se�n McGuire enables readers to critically reflect on both their own hermeneutic while fostering a kind of thoughtful curiosity about interpretive lenses employed by others. In a time of increasing division, this book equips readers to engage with the sacred text in a way that is both faithful to their own context--body, time, place, communities, and traditions--and open to diverse perspectives."" --Dwight J. Friesen, professor of practical theology, The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology"

Author Information

Seán M. W. McGuire holds a doctorate of practical theology from McMaster Divinity College, serves as lead pastor of a Canadian Baptist church in downtown Hamilton, and is an adjunct professor at Carey Theological College. McGuire enjoys hiking and biking along the Niagara Escarpment with his wife, Jessica, and their children.

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