Honoring the author

Hamann says that the historical-critical method of biblical interpretation does not, despite its apparent attention to the human author, really honor the author. This is because historical-critical interpretation is “castrated,” removing all passion and kerygmatic intention.

Dickson writes, “The desires and kerygmatic intentions of the biblical authors are appreciated, and indeed given the courtesy of a response. To recognize an author’s or redactor’s aims but not to respond to them (even with a polite refusal) could be seen as a curiously cold and indeed de-personalizing way to behave to another human being whose work one professes to respect.”