Historical-Critical Methods of Bible Study: Too Academically-Minded to Be of Any Pastoral Use?

Abstract

Faced by a knowledge gap brought about by church leaders’ reluctance to divulge the conclusions of historical criticism to their congregations and a perceived reluctance amongst adult church members to explore challenging ideas, Sarah Hall undertook a study designed to explore the usefulness of historical-critical methods in the context of local Bible study groups. Employing a hermeneutical model based on Gadamer, Ricouer, Habermas and Freire, she conducted exercises with small groups and interviewed participants about their experience of Bible study. Following social-science methodology she categorises group members into Thinkers, Relaters and Changers, and draws conclusions about the value of Bible study for each, as well as for group leaders.