Is There an Author in This Text?
Discovering the Otherness of the Text
Imprint: Wipf and Stock
The interpretation of any written discourse is problematic, which is the concern of this book. The relevant hermeneutical questions are: Do authors communicate their intention so that understanding of their intent is possible? Can a person other than an author speak through an author's text? Can individual meaning, which is personal, ever be regarded as equivalent to that of the author? Any assertion of God speaking in and through the biblical text must first deal with these hermeneutical questions. Questions of the existence and speaking of God are matters of belief. However, questions asking can a God who exists speak so that I understand His intention, and can my meaning be relative to His, these are matters of hermeneutics. The answer in contemporary philosophical approaches to texts has been to declare a resounding no, creating confusion for someone seeking to deal with God's intention for their lives in understanding biblical text. This must be addressed and not treated dismissively. When this is done a resounding yes is disclosed as valid hermeneutically, opening new horizons not only in dealing with biblical text but with any author's text. This is not Christianized hermeneutics but an answer for the Christian hermeneut.
Peter A. Sutcliffe is a gifted communicator with thirty-five years experience as a Missionary, Pastor, and Church Planter. The founder of Lifesource International he is currently a Seminary Lecturer and Conference and Seminar speaker.
"It is refreshing to read a challenging book addressing the subject of 'hermeneutics.' Clearly, Peter Sutcliffe presents a persuasive argument that the Scriptures do have a divine author, the holy spirit. . . . He presents a sound theological and logical apologetic. This book will be a valuable tool for every student of God's word desiring an authentic understanding of the divine author of the Bible."
--John Lewis, former National Vice President of A.C.C. (Australian Christian Churches, formerly known as the Assemblies of God), Australia
"Sutcliffe has developed a powerful new approach to hermeneutics that challenges postmodern ideas and convincingly reveals the vital truth that there really is an author in the text. This insightful scholarly work avoids the need for a special hermeneutic for Scripture, identifying instead a general approach applicable to sacred and secular texts alike. Most importantly, Sutcliffe opens the philosophical door to encountering the author of the text. I highly recommend it."
--Mark Harwood, scientist, Creation Ministries International, Australia
"Reader-response criticism and autonomous text theory are challenged! Peter A. Sutcliffe places a serious consideration on the 'being' of the text and not only the language that it uses. For him, an ontological argument to understand the authorial intent is worth pursuing. He develops the concept of the 'being' of composition. Sutcliffe has a keen eye on maintaining the authorial intent of the biblical author as the key to understanding the holy Scriptures."
--R. G. dela Cruz, professor, Valley Forge Christian College, Pennsylvania
"Sutcliffe gives a masterful review of the current scholarship in philosophical hermeneutics and clearly delineates areas which are as yet unresolved. Having laid a careful foundation he then proceeds to make bold progress in addressing problems in the debate. This book is an exciting addition to the field."
--Kay Fountain, Academic Dean, Asia Pacific Theological Seminary, Philippines