It is rare to have a class taught by the author of the textbook. “Grasping God’s Word,” used in Ouachita’s courses interpreting the Bible, introduction to Christian ministries, and Biblical exegesis was written by two of the campus’ professors, Dr. Danny Hayes and Dr. Scott Duvall.
Originally published in 1998, the second edition was printed in 2005.
“Grasping God’s Word” is used in classes across the country, including graduate courses at Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas.
Now, the book has been translated into Chinese and is currently being translated into Spanish. Duvall said the Spanish version will be released in the near future.
According to Duvall, the book’s purpose is “to teach students to interpret and apply the Bible responsibly rather than haphazardly.”
The book takes the reader on an metaphoric “interpretive journey.”
According to “Grasping God’s Word”, Scripture is first interpreted based on what it meant in its historical context. Then the timeless message is identified and applied to life today.
“‘Grasping God’s Word’ is a great book. It teaches reading ‘the story’ [of the Bible] in a way that doesn’t treat us like little kids like we’re in Sunday school but doesn’t go over our heads either,” said Philip Williamson, Christian studies major.
“The book is our attempt to help students understand all of Scripture at a deeper level so that their relationship with God can grow deeper,” Duvall said. “We’re trying to encourage people to see the Bible as a relational book, a communication from God to his people about how life was intended to work.”
Last year an abridgement of “Grasping God’s Word” called “Journey Into God’s Word was published.”
“I hope that many students will use this new abridgement to teach high school students what they have learned at OBU in Interpreting the Bible,” Duvall said.
