Can you suggest a book on scripture and interpretation?

[bogdan]

I have a Protestant friend who is somewhat interested in Orthodoxy, but is obsessed with the Judiazing that is popular in Protestantism right now—understanding everything from a "Jewish perspective", to the exclusion of historical Christian interpretations.

Can anyone recommend a book that I could give this person to give the Orthodox view of interpreting the Bible? Info about the history of the canon and typology would be nice. I don't want anything polemical, just straightforward and inviting.

Thanks

[bogdan]

I ran across this one while searching Amazon, but I can't vouch for it:

http://www.amazon.com/Reading-Scripture-Church-Fathers-Christopher/dp/0830815007

[Manalive]

Explanation of the New Testament by Blessed Theophylact is a good read. Though, I've only read the commentary for St. John's Gospel. I'm not sure if it's exactly what you're going for, but it's an in-depth commentary on scripture by an Orthodox source.

https://www.archangelsbooks.com/proddetail.asp?prod=CHY4GOSP-01

[xariskai]

I have a Protestant friend who is somewhat interested in Orthodoxy, but is obsessed with the Judiazing that is popular in Protestantism right now—understanding everything from a "Jewish perspective", to the exclusion of historical Christian interpretations.

Can anyone recommend a book that I could give this person to give the Orthodox view of interpreting the Bible? Info about the history of the canon and typology would be nice. I don't want anything polemical, just straightforward and inviting.

Thanks

Perhaps something much simpler might help as well. I'm thinking of the story of Fr. James Bernstein, former co-founder with Moshe Rosen of Jews for Jesus and now Orthodox priest (links below). Perhaps you might also consider contacting Fr. James for reading suggestions; he might even be willing to exchange emails with your friend.

Book: http://www.surprisedbychrist.com/
Podcast: http://ancientfaith.com/podcasts/illuminedheart/fr_james_berstein_from_co_founder_of_jews_for_jesus_to_orthodox_priest
You can find other articles on Fr. James Bernstein on the sidebar of the first link (Fr. James' personal contact info is there too) and through Google.

[bogdan]

Thanks for the responses so far; I will look into them.

I'm not sure if it's exactly what you're going for, but it's an in-depth commentary on scripture by an Orthodox source.

I should have been more clear. I am looking mostly for an explanation of how Orthodoxy views, uses, and interprets the scriptures. Not necessarily a straight-up commentary, per se, but more broad than that.

(If there is a Roman Catholic or other book that expresses more or less Orthodox views on the subject, that would be fine too.)

[xariskai]

Here's a short article by Bishop Kallistos Ware which also is found in the Orthodox Study Bible: http://www.antiochian.org/node/16911
If your friend is really interested in Orthodoxy, perhaps reading something like the Orthodox Study  Bible itself might be worthwhile.

[Volnutt]

I've not read it, but I've heard this book is really good http://www.amazon.com/Scripture-Tradition-Interpretation-Orthodox-Church/dp/0881412260/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1320395989&sr=1-1

Also, here's an article from respected Protestant exegete Grant R. Osborne which might help. http://www.myriobiblos.gr/texts/english/osborne.html

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