Is There a Meaning in This Text?: The Bible, the Reader, and the Morality of Literary Knowledge

The first three main chapters of this book outline arguments for the "undoing" of the author, text, and reader using the ideas of Derrida, Foucault, Fish, and others. This section is the most helpful introduction to post-structuralism that I have ever read. Vanhoozer clearly and effectively explains the philosophical foundations of these different lines of thought. For the superior clarity and accessibility of Vanhoozer's work, I give this book fives stars. The last three main chapters make up Vanhoozer's response to post-structuralism, primarily through the use of Searle's and Austin's theories of "ordinary language." I sympathize with the reviewers who have labeled this section as "alarmist" and unnecessarily "reactionary," for there were several times I became frustrated with how quickly Vanhoozer dismissed various alternative ideas. However, this imperfection is not enough to keep the incredibly well-researched work from being helpful to those who want a great introduction into post-structuralist theory and philosophy of language.

this is a wonderful book. if anyone wants to dig deeper into their faith and their understanding of the Bible they should read this.

Vanhoozer's work is an absolutely essential read for anyone who wants to understand the art of biblical interpretation from a Christian perspective in the postmodern age. His exhaustive work clearly explains contemporary philosophical and literary theory, so that even the beginner in the field can get a grasp on the issues. He takes the objections of postmodernists seriously and integrates their insights when appropriate. Nevertheless, he avoids the philosophical indeterminism and non-realism of our day. Vanhoozer's work will only seem reactionary to those who have long since fallen into the deep end of postmodern nihilism. In reality, this book is a significant moderation of modernist absolutism, in light of the critics' critiques. It affirms a hermeneutic of humility and faith that recognizes the difficulty of interpretation and the noetic effects of the fall, all the while avoiding the relativisitc impulses and the undermining of biblical authority that so characterize postmodern skepticism and faithless disbelief in the God who communicates. While some may question aspects of his conclusions, for the Christian who still believes God has something to say to his people and wants to learn to read the Bible with faith and humility, this is a great starting point.

This book is not for the fainthearted, but for any thinking person who is tired of under-researched caricatures of the literary theories associated with postmodernity, this is the book to read. Vanhoozer's book is exhaustive in its scope and incisive in its interpretations; he writes for people who are not content with simplistic treatments of what are serious issues. Few are as conversant with the relevant literature as Vanhoozer, and he writes as an expert in the field, not an outsider. His critiques are balanced and careful, and his constructive suggestions for Christian responses to current trends are brilliant. Any teacher or pastor who wants a thorough examination of the literary foundations of postmodernity must read this book. Ultimately, it will help you to reach out to our confused generation more sympathetically and effectively.