Reseñas proporcionadas por Syndetics

CHOICE Review

The late Roman Catholic theologian Bernard J.F. Lonergan's magisterial Insight (1957; 3rd ed., CH, Mar'71), The Way to Nicea (CH, Oct'77), and his Method in Theology (1972), along with many essays, are of importance to both philosophical and biblical hermeneutics, for Lonergan brings a broad philosophical concern with epistemology and ontology as they bear on methodology to his sophisticated analysis of functional levels in the interpretation of texts. The present volume offers six explorations of major aspects of Lonergan's hermeneutics, largely in relation to the biblical text. Quentin Quesnell deals with Lonergan's dialectic as a "technique for promoting mutual understanding in cases of serious difference on important matters." Hugo Meynell deals with parallels and contrasts between Lonergan and Northrop Frye (The Great Code, 1982) in interpreting the Bible. Ben F. Meyer offers "Ninty-five Theses on General and Biblical Hermeneutics," plus commentary, arguing for the primacy of the "intended sense" in interpreting texts. Sean E. McEvenue contrasts Lonergan's approach to interpretation of the Old Testament with other major OT interpreters in this century, such as Gerhard von Rad. Robert M. Doran places Lonergan's goal in Insight of the "self-appropriation of the polymorphism of human consciousness" in the context of conversion and argues that Lonergan's "hermeneutics of the symbolic" is more adequate than that found in C.G. Jung. Finally, Charles C. Hefling Jr. explores the hermeneutical problems involved in "salvation history" and "inspiration." Like all the essays in the volume, this one is of intrinsic interest for its exploration of the hermeneutical issues as well as for the light Lonergan throws on them. The volume, from a 1986 symposium in Montreal, offers critical discussions and replies after each essay. Valuable not only as an introduction to the range, character, and significance of Lonergan's hermeneutics, but also for its penetrating discussions of major issues in hermeneutics today. Highly recommended. -R. E. Palmer, MacMurray College