Biblical Hermeneutics in the Metamodern Mood

“As denominations tear themselves apart over issues of marriage and sexual ethics, we urgently need better and more hermeneutically reflective conversations about what the Bible means. Bringing Gadamer and practical theology together in this timely study, Seán McGuire helps us see what’s really going on beneath the surface of our disagreements.”


—Andrew Judd, deputy principal, Ridley College





“In this timely book, Seán McGuire offers a deep dive into the complexities of why Christians interpret the same Bible passages differently. Through an innovative combination of metamodernism and a revised Wesleyan quadrilateral, he methodically develops an analytical framework to help readers uncover roots of interpretative difference. With a practical theology sensibility, McGuire offers much food for thought both in his analysis and constructive proposals for transformative reading of the Scriptures.”


—Andrew P. Rogers, associate professor of practical theology, University of Roehampton





“What might it look like for church leaders, when navigating ecclesial disagreement, to clearly articulate the main influences that have shaped their understanding? Taking the well-known Wesleyan Quadrilateral as a starting point, Seán McGuire exemplifies an approach to talking about theological reflection that can help church leaders to speak more clearly and talk past one another less frequently. In the aftermath of postmodernism, this kind of practical meta-theology is badly needed.”


—Christopher Land, associate professor of New Testament and linguistics, McMaster Divinity College





“Biblical Hermeneutics in the Metamodern Mood is an invaluable resource for helping followers of Jesus see scriptural interpretation with fresh eyes. With wisdom and acumen, Seán McGuire enables readers to critically reflect on both their own hermeneutic while fostering a kind of thoughtful curiosity about interpretive lenses employed by others. In a time of increasing division, this book equips readers to engage with the sacred text in a way that is both faithful to their own context—body, time, place, communities, and traditions—and open to diverse perspectives.”


—Dwight J. Friesen, professor of practical theology, The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology