Torn Asunder: Biblical Studies or Pastoral Ministry? (Part 1)

There are many questions under this topic that I would like to discuss (many of which press on my heart for resolution). Yet, in this post I will refrain to one.

As a new pastor (i.e. campus minister), and a recent seminary grad, I am constantly striving for my studies to impact my ministry in a positive way.  I routinely check out commentaries and other resources from the campus library in an attempt to accurately understand my text and communicate its message to my students.  I go in with high hopes, in search for clarity, insight, direction, and affirmation. And often I receive one of these. However, much more frequently I am frustrated and leave the experience feeling as if I have no idea what I'm doing.  I pull 3 to 4 books at a time knowing that their usefulness to me will be limited either by my lack of comprehension or their irrelevance to my earnest questions. Yesterday, I read an article that spoke to this dilemma, giving me a small measure of comfort.

"Limping Away with a Blessing: Biblical Studies and Preaching at the End of the Second Millennium" was in article produced by Interpretation in 1997. In it, Professor of Preaching and Worship at Knox College, Stephen Farris, traces the divergent history of Biblical Studies and Homiletics. Where up until the 20th century, pastor/scholars like Augustine, Luther, Schleiermacher, and Barth would publish broadly in Biblical Studies, Homiletics, and Systematic Theology, the last century brought about an unprecedentedly level of specialization. Concurrently, the latest exegetical fashions of Biblical Studies have had an overwhelming influence on preaching without in any significant way its research being guided by the concerns of the church.  While recent focus on the literary nature of scripture has produced new powerful preaching styles, that focus has often eclipsed discussion of the historical and theological nature of the scriptures.  Farris issues a call for Biblical Studies scholars to remember the origin of their field: Theology.  Even if this isn't their currents reason d'être, it should never be forgotten as a conversation partner.  The article closes with an ancient metaphor for the preacher in his/her study: Jacob wrestling with the Angel of the Lord at Peniel (Genesis 32:24-32).  Farris says, "The role of biblical studies, in turn, is to teach the wrestler preacher a few new holds...Any method of interpretation will suffice as long as it is God to whom we are listening in these texts."

As I reflect on Farris' words, I am struck with how true they are to my experience.  I am often overwhelmed and underserved by the interpretative approaches presented in commentaries and theology books.  It is good to know that my trouble is not all due to my inadequacies. It has now become clear to me that many of these scholars are not writing for me but for themselves!  I will continue to use these resources, as they are the ones available, but I know now that I must also seek out those who will "teach me the holds," even as they pursue their other academic interests.  Perhaps Farris will be one of those teachers...