Billings on the theological hermeneutic

I recently had the chance to review Todd Billings’ new book, The Word of God for the People of God: An Entryway to the Theological Interpretation of Scripture. Quite impressive stuff, and if you’re looking for a good introduction to the discussion, Billings might be the place to start. Due to my own theological background, I found Billings’ argument very sensitive to evangelical and Reformed concerns. In a relatively brief treatment, he was able to namedrop Protestant figures like Jonathan Edwards, Kevin Vanhoozer, John Webster, Herman Bavinck, Jamie Smith, Richard Muller, Daniel Treier, N.T. Wright — and of course John Calvin.

Billings covers a lot of ground along the way, delving into topics as diverse as the exegetical quadriga, “indigenized” creeds, natural law, and the Protestant preference for lectio continua. I’m also very encouraged to see more Reformed reflection on canon formation and the place of sola Scriptura in the postmodern (and post-evangelical?) context. Along with Vanhoozer’s massive burnt-orange contribution, Billings is well-positioned to bring an ecumenical sensibility to confessional Reformed-evangelical theology (his next book seems to continue this trajectory).