3: Canonical Criticism

1. Theological Category and Placement

Category: Biblical Theology

Canonical Criticism belongs to Biblical Theology because it centres on the final form of the biblical canon as the primary source of theological reflection. Unlike historical-critical approaches that focus on the sources or historical development of texts, Canonical Criticism studies the Bible as a finished, authoritative whole. It seeks to understand theological themes and doctrines within the context of the canon’s arrangement and unity, tracing the theological message as it emerges in the Bible’s final form (Childs, 1979).

2. Introduction

Canonical Criticism is a method of biblical interpretation that emphasises the canonical shape and structure of the biblical texts as they are received by the faith community. Developed most notably by Brevard S. Childs in the latter half of the 20th century, this approach stresses the theological coherence and authority of the canon, arguing that the Bible’s final form is deliberately shaped to convey its divine message (Childs, 1979).

3. Historical Development

Emerging in response to the limitations of source and form criticism prevalent in the 19th and early 20th centuries, Canonical Criticism was systematised by Childs through works such as Introduction to the Old Testament as Scripture (1979). It sought to restore the theological integrity of the biblical text by focusing on its canonical context, i.e., how Scripture functions within the believing community as authoritative revelation.

This approach has influenced biblical scholarship by prompting renewed attention to the Bible’s final text and its role in theology and worship (Childs, 1979).

4. Core Doctrines and Theological Emphases

  • Authority of the Canon: The final canonical form is normative for faith and practice.
  • Theological Coherence: The canon is read as a unified theological witness.
  • Community Reception: Scripture’s meaning is shaped by the faith community’s acceptance and use.
  • Focus on Final Text: Emphasis on the present shape of the Bible rather than hypothetical sources.
  • Integration of Testaments: Canonical Criticism often examines the relationship between Old and New Testaments within the canon.

5. Scriptural and Theological Foundations

Canonical Criticism recognises the Bible as a divinely inspired and authoritative text. It interprets key passages such as 2 Timothy 3:16 (“All Scripture is breathed out by God…”) as affirming the theological status of the canonical text. The canon is studied as a theological whole, where the arrangement and juxtaposition of books communicate God’s redemptive plan (Childs, 1979).

6. Influence and Impact

Canonical Criticism has reshaped biblical studies by encouraging scholars to read Scripture as the Church does—as a unified, authoritative canon rather than fragmented documents. It has influenced theological method, biblical interpretation, and hermeneutics across denominations.

Critics sometimes argue it underestimates historical-critical insights, but supporters value its contribution to recovering the Bible’s theological and ecclesial dimensions (Childs, 2001).

7. Representative Theologians and Key Works

  • Brevard S. Childs – The foremost proponent; key works include Introduction to the Old Testament as Scripture (1979) and Biblical Theology of the Old and New Testaments (1992).
  • John Goldingay – Developed canonical approaches in Old Testament theology.
  • N. T. Wright – Uses canonical perspectives in New Testament theology.
  • Gordon D. Fee – Applied canonical insights in New Testament studies.

8. Conclusion

Canonical Criticism offers a distinctive approach within Biblical Theology that restores focus to the Bible’s final, authoritative form as the foundation for theological reflection. Its emphasis on unity, authority, and community reception enriches both academic study and ecclesial understanding of Scripture.

9. References

  • Childs, B. S. (1979). Introduction to the Old Testament as Scripture. Fortress Press.
  • Childs, B. S. (1992). Biblical Theology of the Old and New Testaments: Theological Reflection on the Christian Bible. Fortress Press.
  • Childs, B. S. (2001). Biblical Theology in Crisis. Westminster John Knox Press.
  • Goldingay, J. (2003). Old Testament Theology. InterVarsity Press.
  • Wright, N. T. (2012). How God Became King: The Forgotten Story of the Gospels. HarperOne.
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