Hermeneutics: Principles and Processes of Biblical Interpretation Paperback – September 1, 2007

My view of the purpose of church is to grow every congregant into someone who can in turn train the next generation of disciples who will come after them in accord with their given area of spiritual gifting; musicians train musicians, teachers train teachers, etc. When it comes to teachers I feel that every Sunday School teacher (adult and children's ministries) ought to be able to read and interpret accurately the Word of God for herself and himself independent of utter reliance on denominational quarterlies. This is where Virkler's work shines.There is little doubt in my mind that Virkler, a Biblical Counseling professor, intended his work to be used as an introductory entry-level college text for passing along the skill of biblical interpretation. As such it is generally comprehensible to almost every church layman who has taken on a teaching capacity.In the above understanding this book excels. It explains just enough about the history of interpretation to ground the new student. It covers sufficiently the disciplined approach to reading and interpretation to get a new Bible student started but does not impose so much detail as to bewilder or intimidate.If it has a lack, the book could have provided detailed answers to the quiz-like "brain teasers" at the end of the sections. The teasers themselves are quite good thought questions, but often they need a more experienced Bible teacher to explain why one answer is preferred over another.In short, not only do I find this book superb at its intended purpose, but I would highly recommend it as required reading for every layman who teaches in the local church. If a teacher is unable to cope with interpreting the Word of God for herself or himself, as guided and mapped out by this tutorial, then it raises the question as to whether such a one is yet prepared to function as a teacher of the Word of God for others until further training is acquired. This book is a must-have for all Sunday School teachers.

This is a great book as a guide to learn the science and art of hermeneutics. It directs you how to understand what the author was saying to the audience intended and then how to bring the text forward 2000 years giving understanding that some text easily comes forward, other needs to be looked at contextually, while other text may need to stay where it is. It is well written and very useful in understanding Biblical texts.

This book is pretty good information and pretty technical. This is not for a basic bible student. it is for serious bible readers. There are other more easy to read and understand hermeneutics book if you just want basics. This is more for teachers or very serious student.

THIS BOOK IS FOR THE PREACHER AND THE PREACHERS WIFE OR SOMEONE THAT CAN THINK DEEP. I BOUGHT IT FOR A CLASS THAT IS OFFERED AT MY CHURCH. I REALLY ENJOYED IT, BUT IT IS DEFINITELY FOR DEEP THINKERS.

Excellent

I am taking a course in Spanish, but I read better English so I decided to purchase both languages. I couldn't put this book down. So easy to read and expands on thoughts and provides thinking questions based on real life examples that you can relate to in order to apply what you have learned (things that its Spanish counterpart does not do) :( This book doesn't just give definitions of words but expands on them and gives many examples so you can actually understand what you're reading..... Imagine that! Great. Great. Great.

Hermeneutics is a wonderful book when trying to understand how to interpret the bible. Virkler breaks down the historical, lexical, and theological values of the Bible. Then proceeds to explain the metaphoric, symbolic, and literal understandings that are often confused and misinterpreted. This book will be very helpful to anyone who wants a clearer understanding for God's word, especially religious studies students seeking to further their knowledge of scripture from Genesis to Revelations. Hermeneutics is definitely one of those books that gives an ahhh haaa moment over and over again. Enjoy!

This book is great! It has changed the way I approach the bible in all aspects. It has improved the way I read and study the Scriptures. Though it is true that the Holy Spirit is our #1 aid in interpreting the Word of God, I do also believe that academic materials are great study aids as well. A MUST have for anyone who is interested in going deeper into God's Word.