Revelation, Scripture and Church

• Introduction 1 Revelation and Biblical Interpretation: Divine Disclosure and the Constitution of Faith 2 The Bible as Holy Scripture: Construal and Authority 3 The Church and the Bible Critically Read Conclusion

'...the great strengths of Topping’s book are its understanding of the thought of Barr, Ricoeur and Frei and its perceptiveness in detecting where dogmatic claims have been overridden by hermeneutical concerns... Topping’s book is mandatory reading for both biblical interpreters and Christian hermeneuticians.' – Theology Forum http://theologyforum.wordpress.com/ 'Revelation, Scripture and Church is a beneficial work for all those concerned with the validity, use, and interpretation of the Bible. Topping provides a useful outline of some of the most significant positions in contemporary hermeneutics and their outworking in the life of the Church. In particular, Topping’s treatment of Barr is excellent. Topping is also to be commended on his commitment to freeing the hermeneutics of the Christian community and academy from the spirit of our age, and pointing us back to the saving God who is alive and active in his special community and world through his words and Spirit.' – Journal of Theological Studies 'This well-researched monograph of three main proponents of Christian hermeneutical approaches to the Bible (Barr, Ricoeur, Frei) is a welcome addition to the literature on theological interpretation. ... The book's clear strength is the detailed, close readings of these figures; it is an informative, nuanced foray into their respective hermeneutics of Scripture.' – Religious Studies Review