Five Things Theologians Wish Biblical Scholars Knew

Five Things Theologians Wish Biblical Scholars Knew is a book by Hans Boersma, a professor of theology at Nashotah House Theological Seminary. In this book, Boersma argues that biblical scholars often neglect the theological implications of their work and that they should pay more attention to the insights of the church fathers and the tradition of Christian interpretation. He also criticizes the historical-critical method of biblical scholarship, which he sees as too skeptical and naturalistic. He proposes a more sacramental approach to Scripture, which views the Bible as a means of encountering God's presence and grace.

Boersma's book is an attempt to bridge the gap between biblical studies and theology, (a divide I have often complained about!) but it also reveals his own bias and agenda. He seems to assume that his own theological perspective, which is influenced by Reformed and Anglican traditions, is normative and superior to other views. (I found this very frustrating!)

He also dismisses or ignores the contributions of modern biblical scholarship, especially from feminist, liberationist, and postcolonial perspectives. He does not engage with the diversity and complexity of the biblical texts but rather imposes his own theological framework on them. He also fails to acknowledge the historical and cultural contexts of both the biblical authors and the church fathers, and how they shaped their interpretations.

Boersma's book is not a fair or balanced assessment of biblical scholarship or theology in my opinion.