The Nature of Biblical Criticism

The book provides a comprehensive overview of biblical criticism, addressing its challenges from both conservatives and postmodernists. John Barton argues that these criticisms overlook the substantial contributions of critical scholars throughout history. He emphasizes the central concern of traditional biblical criticism: understanding the "plain sense" of texts, which necessitates a nuanced appreciation of their literary qualities. Barton contends that biblical criticism inherently incorporates many contemporary methodological approaches, revealing a more cohesive agenda in biblical studies than commonly perceived.