v. 1. Interpretation and theology -- v. 2. Biblical studies.

Although the concept of the literal is very widely used in the discussion of biblical interpretation, it has seldom been deeply analysed. “Conservative” understandings of the Bible are often thought of as literal, but it is equally true that “critical” views are built upon literality. In some relations, literality seems to imply physicality, in others to mean exactitude in the rendering of “spiritual” realities. In Christianity the relation of Christians to the laws of the Old Testament is a prime area (...) of application of these categories. Are the silences of the Bible to be taken as “literally” as its words? And does literality give us access to intentions? (shrink)

The authority of the Old Testament is being eroded today, not so much by opposition as disinterest—a neglect fostered by the general distrust of authority. The situation is a summons for a new look at the Old Testament to uncover what really commends it to church and world.