The book is filled with readable information that carefully follows the plain, consistent, normal, use of language in order to arrive at the God-intended message being delivered in each book, chapter and verse of God’s Word. Dr. Nuttall meticulously covers the critical areas of grammatical, contextual and historical setting necessary in comprehending the God-intended meaning of any Biblical text. He identifies and refutes the commonly committed errors in Biblical interpretation. This book has value for all readers/teachers of Biblical truth and especially those students preparing for a ministry of proclaiming, instructing or singing God’s word.
Howard L. Wilburn, Ed. D.
President, Piedmont Baptist College (1988-2002)
Pastor, Salem Baptist Church (2000-2016)
Dr. Clay Nuttall’s book, The Normal Hermeneutic makes a needed and concise contribution towards reaching the one Biblical hermeneutic. Though it is a short book, the concepts in it should serve as a refuge for the academic and non-academic alike. The book builds on a firm foundation of the verbal and plenary inspiration of the Bible. This becomes the basis for its inerrancy and authority. The book then declares that the one Biblical hermeneutic is possible when the normal, clear, plain, ordinary, literal, grammatical and consistent use of interpretation is applied. This is to be done with care to the micro and macro contexts, as well as the historical setting, which is to be done from within the text itself. The full weight of each word used in this hermeneutic is fully implemented in a fresh way, calling on a return to it as being the import of the Biblical method of interpretation.
Though the book believes in figurative expression, it warns against the dangers of figurative interpretation. It also cautions against seeking intellectual and philosophical pursuits at the expense of factual theological truth. It rather seeks simplicity and exactness, which intellectuals hate. This applies even to eschatology, which is the supreme test of a consistent hermeneutic.
The book’s message is done through a superb writing style and articulate way of expression that leads the reader gently to a deeper commitment to the beauty and power of the Word of God. Though the late Dr. Nuttall touched me deeply with his life, I am touched again after his departure with his writing.
Imad N. Shehadeh, Ph.D.
President and Professor of Theology
Jordan Evangelical Theological Seminary (JETS)
