Vern S. Poythress - Böcker

Foundations of Contemporary Interpretation seeks to identify and clarify the basic problems of interpretation that affect our reading of the Bible today. This unique volume provides a comprehensive and systematic coverage of the field of general hermeneutics. Foundations of Contemporary Interpretation examines the impact of specific academic disciplines on the interpretation of the Bible. Previously published as separate volumes, its various sections explore the interface between hermeneutics and literary criticism, linguistics, history, science, and theology. Included in Foundations of Contemporary Interpretation, each with its own separate table of contents, are: -Has the Church Misread the Bible? -- Moises Silva -Literary Approaches to Biblical Interpretation -- Tremper Longman III -God, Language, and Scripture -- Moises Silva -The Art of Biblical History -- V. Philips Long -Science and Hermeneutics -- Vern S. Poythress -The Study of Theology -- Richard A. Muller. These six sections cover the interface between hermeneutics and the major disciplines.

In their pursuit of social welfare, sociologists and everyday citizens alike have adopted a worldview that fails to account for both the nature of God and the depravity of humankind. Ignoring God and sin has resulted in misguided analyses and ineffective solutions to societal issues. The time has come to rethink the study of sociology as those faulty assumptions have clearly affected the discipline as a whole.Recognizing that human relationships are derived from the triune relationships within the Godhead, Poythress argues that social interactions must be assessed through a biblical framework that takes seriously the problem of sin. He has thus written this compelling volume to stimulate the reconfiguration and transformation of a worldview gone awry, helping us to think rightly about fallen human relationships and our models for understanding and improving them.Redeeming Sociology advocates a biblically informed approach based on the Trinitarian nature of God, his governance of the world, and his redemption accomplished in Christ—a model that will help to reform the field of sociology as well as the beliefs and behaviors in our own relationships.

Though the Bible presents a personal and relational God, popular modern worldviews portray an impersonal divine force in a purely material world. Readers influenced by this competing worldview hold assumptions about fundamental issues—like the nature of humanity, evil, and the purpose of life—that present profound obstacles to understanding the Bible.In Inerrancy and Worldview, Dr. Vern Poythress offers the first worldview-based defense of scriptural inerrancy, showing how worldview differences create or aggravate most perceived difficulties with the Bible. His positive case for biblical inerrancy implicitly critiques the worldview of theologians like Enns, Sparks, Allert, and McGowan. Poythress, who has researched and published in a variety of fields— including science, linguistics, and sociology—deals skillfully with the challenges presented in each of these disciplines. By directly addressing key examples in each field, Poythress shows that many difficulties can be resolved simply by exposing the influence of modern materialism.Inerrancy and Worldview’s positive response to current attempts to abandon or redefine inerrancy will enable Christians to respond well to modern challenges by employing a worldview that allows the Bible to speak on its own terms.

All those who affirm the authority of Scripture will find in this volume great encouragement and insight as Poythress provides an arresting case for biblical inerrancy and stems the tide of skepticism.

For Christians looking to improve critical thinking skills, here is an accessible introduction to the study of logic as well as an in-depth treatment of the discipline from a professor with six academic degrees and over 30 years experience teaching. Questions for further reflection are included at the end of each chapter as well as helpful diagrams and charts for use in college and graduate-level classrooms.Vern Poythress has undertaken a radical recasting of the study of logic in this revolutionary work from a Christian worldview.

What if all events—big and small, good and bad—are governed by more than just blind chance? What if they are governed by God?In this theologically informed and philosophically nuanced introduction to the study of probability and chance, Vern Poythress argues that all events—including the seemingly random or accidental—fall under God’s watchful gaze as part of his eternal plan. Comprehensive in its scope, this book lays the theistic foundation for our scientific assumptions about the world while addressing personal questions about the meaning and significance of everyday events. Author holds six academic degrees and is considered an expert in multiple fields of studyIncorporates the doctrine of God’s sovereignty into robust theory of probability and chanceRejects the concept of “luck,” arguing that all seemingly random events are part of God’s eternal plan and therefore reflect his characterExamines how the doctrine of God’s sovereignty relates to various issues including natural disasters, human choices, modern physics, gambling, probability, and the study of mathematics

Who am I? Why am I here? Where do I find meaning?Life is full of big questions. The study of philosophy seeks to answer such questions. In his latest book, prolific author Vern Poythress investigates the foundations and limitations of Western philosophy, sketching a distinctly Christian approach to answering basic questions about the nature of humanity, the existence of God, the search for meaning, and the basis for morality.For Christians eager to engage with the timeless philosophical issues that have perplexed men and women for millennia, this is the place to begin. Presents a uniquely Christian perspective on the study of philosophy, looking to the Bible as the key resource for answering life’s biggest questionsTopics explored include metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, the soul, the mind, logic, and aestheticsCritically engages with the thought of influential philosophers such as Immanuel Kant, Edmund Husserl, and Bertrand RussellAuthor holds six academic degrees and is considered an expert in multiple fields of study

What does God have to do with mathematics?Everything.In this book, Vern Poythress argues that the harmony of abstract mathematical truths, the physical world of things, and the personal world of our thinking depends on the existence of the Christian God. Poythress shows that these distinct “perspectives” on mathematics cohere because all three find their origin in God’s consistent character and nature.Whether it’s simple addition and subtraction or more complex mathematical concepts such as set theory and the nature of infinity, this fascinating book lays a theistic foundation for all mathematical inquiry. Presents a uniquely Christian perspective on the study of mathematics, arguing that God provides the necessary foundation for the whole disciplineExplores three distinct “perspectives” related to the study of math: the abstract world of mathematical truths, the physical world of real things, and the mental world of human thoughtTopics explored include simple addition and subtraction, multiplication, sets, fractions, irrational numbers, imaginary numbers, the concept of infinity, and moreAuthor holds six academic degrees and is considered an expert in multiple fields of study

Every time we read the Bible, we’re reading in the presence of God. How should this incredible truth shape how we read?Moving quickly from principle to practice, Vern Poythress helps us rethink how we interpret the Bible by showing us the implications of entering into God’s presence as we study. This handbook outlines distinct steps for practicing faithful biblical interpretation by focusing on our fellowship with the God who speaks to us through his Word. Argues that the Bible must be interpreted as both a human and divine documentAdvocates for an explicitly Christ-centered approach to biblical interpretationServes as a comprehensive resource, exploring a host of topics related to hermeneuticsAuthor holds six academic degrees and is considered an expert in multiple fields of study

Christians often view Jesus’s miracles simply as proofs of his divinity. However, as prolific author Vern Poythress shows in this new book, they also serve as "signs of redemption," foreshadowing the salvation that Christ accomplished through his cross and resurrection. This means that the stories of Jesus’s miracles—like the calming of the storm or the feeding of the 5,000—are relevant for both Christians and non-Christians alike, clearly pointing to the gospel. After setting forth a framework for viewing all of Jesus’s miracles through this lens, Poythress then reflects on the meaning and significance of 26 distinct miracles recorded in the Gospel of Matthew—helping modern readers understand and apply them to their own lives today.

Jesus Christ was not merely a human being. He was not merely a famous religious teacher.Jesus Christ is Lord of all.This radical claim from the Bible has profound implications for every area of life—for every person and every facet of society. Drawing on key biblical texts, Vern Poythress explores what acknowledging the authority of Christ means for the way we should think and act. Unpacking how this authority affects spheres of life such as religion, politics, science, art, education, and the future, Poythress helps us pursue obedience to Christ as an expression of our gratitude and devotion—and our anticipation of the joy promised to us when we serve him with all of our heart. Encourages Christians to see Christ not only as their Savior but also as their LordAddresses common traps that keep Christians from serving Christ in everything, at all timesExplores the implications of the lordship of Christ for all spheres of lifeAuthor has written prolifically on what it means to be God-centered in a variety of disciplines, including logic, science, philosophy, and mathematics

"No interpreter of the creation narratives can avoid interacting with this book."—Derek W. H. ThomasChristians have long discussed and debated the first three chapters of the Bible. How we interpret this crucial section of Scripture has massive implications for how we understand the rest of God’s Word and even history itself. In this important volume, biblical scholar Vern Poythress combines careful exegesis with theological acumen to illuminate the significance of Genesis 1–3. In doing so, he demonstrates the sound interpretive principles that lead to true understanding of the biblical text, while also exploring complex topics such as the nature of time, the proper role of science, interpretive literalism, and more. Includes a foreword by well-known theologian and biblical scholar D. A. CarsonSets forth 15 hermeneutical principles aimed at helping readers better understand Genesis 1–3Emphasizes foundational interpretive principles rather than verse-by-verse commentary

Why Is It Critical for Christians to Study the Past?How does knowledge of the past shape Christians’ views of God, Christ’s redemption, and humanity as a whole? In his new book, Vern S. Poythress teaches Christians how to study and write about the past by emphasizing God’s own command to remember his works and share them with the next generation. Readers will explore concepts such as providentialism, Christian historiography, divine purpose, and the 4 basic phases of biblical history: creation, fall, redemption, and consummation. By learning how to appropriately study history, believers will begin to recognize God’s lordship over all events and how even minor incidents fit into his overarching plan. Excellent Resource for Seminary Students, Pastors, and Historians: Poythress explains how to write about history, understand God’s divine purposes, explore history in the Bible, and more Applicable: Teaches readers how to glorify God by recognizing his deeds throughout historyBiblical and Informative: Outlines 4 phases of history and connects them to Christ’s redemption

Study Systematic Theology through the Lens of Truth There are many themes that flow through and unite the entirety of Scripture, and in his latest book, scholar Vern S. Poythress explores the relationship between God and truth. In Truth, Theology, and Perspective, Poythress explains how truth informs and confirms what the Bible teaches. In addition to a theology of objective truth, he explains how it is interwoven through each of the major topics in systematic theology, such as revelation, the Bible, man, Christ, salvation, and eschatology. This perspective highlights how the interconnectedness and harmony of Scripture is an extension of God's own truthfulness and how this attribute is manifested in all of creation, prompting us to greater worship and gratitude to God. For Those Interested in Systematic Theology: Particularly college students, seminarians, and pastors Written by Vern S. Poythress: Author of many works on biblical interpretation, science, and history including In the Beginning Was the Word; Redeeming Science; and Inerrancy and Worldview New Perspective: Major topics in systematic theology studied through the lens of truth

Vern S. Poythress Explains the Laws of Human Reasoning and How to Apply Them in Light of the GospelHumans use reasoning to understand and order the world around us. We apply this logic in a variety of contexts, from classifying simple objects to considering complex philosophies. But how should our identity as Christians—made in the image of God (Gen. 1:26–27) with minds renewed by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 12:1–2)—inform our reasoning?Vern S. Poythress explains how all human reasoning reflects God’s nature. Providing a foundational understanding of God as the source of rationality, Poythress details the 3 fundamental laws of logic—identity, contradiction, and excluded middle—with a strong focus on analogical reasoning. This robust guide explains types of analogy, ethics applied to logic, the use of analogies in the doctrines of God, and more to give readers a renewed perspective on how to use reason as a follower of God. Thorough Study of Reasoning: Explores the 3 fundamental laws of logic along with various kinds of analogy, including syllogistic reasoning, formal deductive reasoning, inductive reasoning, and scientific modelsFrom the Author of Logic: A God-Centered Approach to the Foundation of Western Thought: This book continues Poythress’s look at reasoning, placing it under the lordship of ChristGreat for Students, Pastors, and Christian Philosophers: Includes helpful visuals and appendices for learning and applying various systems of logic

How to Study the Old Testament for Signs of Christ Believers read Scripture to follow Christ and deepen their relationship with him. But since a majority of the Bible was written before Jesus’s life and death on the cross, many people rely on the Old Testament for historical context and moral guidance alone. However, when studied in detail, we see how even the Old Testament reveals Christ as the center of God’s plan for redemption. Biblical Typology examines how the Old Testament foreshadows Christ, the church, and the consummation through types—or symbols—pointing toward fulfillment. Well-known for his academic yet accessible writing, Vern S. Poythress not only provides examples of types and analogies found in God’s word but also teaches readers a practical framework and diagram for effectively examining them throughout Scripture. Readers will learn how to identify and interpret biblical typology for themselves as they deepen their understanding of the Bible and the wisdom of God.  Great for Bible Teachers: Teaches pastors, Bible study leaders, and thoughtful lay people how to effectively study biblical typology in the Old TestamentPractical How-To: Not only examines Scripture for examples of Christ in the Old Testament but teaches how readers can find types for themselves Uses Helpful Tools: Introduces a practical framework and diagram to effectively interpret typology within the Old TestamentAcademic yet Accessible: Written by scholar, professor, and author Vern S. Poythress

Many people think science is antagonistic to Christian belief. Science, it is said, shows that the universe is billions of years old, while the Bible says it is only thousands of years old. And some claim that science shows supernatural miracles are impossible. These and other points of contention cause some Christians to view science as a threat to their beliefs.Redeeming Science attempts to kindle our appreciation for science as it ought to be-science that could serve as a path for praising God and serving fellow human beings. Through examining the wonderfully complex and immutable laws of nature, author Vern Poythress explains, we ought to recognize the wisdom, care, and beauty of God. A Christian worldview restores a true response to science, where we praise the God who created nature and cares for it.

Which translation do I choose?In an age when there is a wide choice of English Bible translations, the issues involved in Bible translating are steadily gaining interest; consumers often wonder what separates one Bible version from another.The contributors to this book argue that there are significant differences between literal translations and the alternatives. The task of those who employ an essentially literal Bible translation philosophy is to produce a translation that remains faithful to the original languages, preserving as much of the original form and meaning as possible while still communicating effectively and clearly in the receptors' languages.Translating Truth advocates essentially literal Bible translation and in an attempt to foster an edifying dialogue concerning translation philosophy. It addresses what constitutes "good" translation, common myths about word-for-word translations, and the importance of preserving the authenticity of the Bible text. The essays in this book offer clear and enlightening insights into the foundational ideas of essentially literal Bible translation.