The Letter and the Spirit

The book delves into the allegorical methods of biblical interpretation used by early Church Fathers, particularly Origen. It begins by exploring the evolution of Greek interpretative theories, then analyzes how Hellenistic and Jewish writers, along with the New Testament, approached the Old Testament. The discussion culminates in an examination of the exegesis techniques of Clement of Alexandria and Origen, highlighting a peak in allegorization. Dr. Grant also draws intriguing parallels between these ancient practices and contemporary interpretative trends.