Biblical Theology Bulletin

Biblical Theology Bulletin is a distinctive, peer-reviewed, quarterly journal containing articles and reviews written by experts in biblical and theological studies. The editors select articles that provide insights derived from critical biblical scholarship, culture-awareness, and thoughtful reflection on meanings of import for scholars of Bible and religion, religious educators, clergy, and those engaged with social studies in religion, inter-religious studies, and the praxis of biblical religion today.

The journal began publication in 1971. It has been distinguished for its early and continuing publication of articles using the social sciences in addition to other critical methods for interpreting the Bible for contemporary readers, teachers, and preachers across cultural and denominational lines.

"Biblical Theology Bulletin has been a leader in publishing articles applying social science to Scripture Study. It is a valuable source for researchers and theological libraries." Jerome Kodell, OSB

In 2012, BTB introduced a new subtitle, A Journal of Bible and Culture. BTB has been distinguished for its frequent use of the social sciences for interpreting biblical texts in their social world contexts. Critical biblical scholarship long has been notable for its goal of interpreting texts in their literary, historical, canonical contexts. Each of these has lent perspective to meanings and has tended to relieve misunderstandings born of lack of knowledge or faulty assumptions. Using biblical texts out of context is to misconstrue meanings often based on prejudice, reading meaning into the text rather than from it.

While BTB continues to publish articles that employ a range of critical methodologies for biblical studies, it includes methods from the social sciences that delve into the meanings of culturally-embedded symbols and values inherent in biblical texts. As a Journal of Bible and Culture BTB thus acknowledges that cultural contexts significantly shape meanings and their appropriate applications.

In addition, it is our belief that it is important to distinguish and separately value both biblical studies and theology, biblical scholars and theologians. These two disciplines or groups of scholars may frequently include the same thinking, or people, but can also diverge quite strongly in their respective standpoints, their exegetical methods and approaches, and in their conclusions. BTB seeks to include and provide a forum for the expression of the best and most up-to-date thinking from those two strands of scholarly enterprise, particularly because of its desire to keep any and all interested readers in touch with the forefront of studies on the Bible and its interaction within human culture.

"Given the journal’s longtime practice of including many essays and reviews that especially focus on the interrelationships between biblical texts and their ancient cultural contexts, as well on the contemporary contexts in which the Bible is read, the use of the sub-title 'A Journal of Bible and Culture' is entirely appropriate." Alicia Batten, University of Sudbury, Canada

“Biblical Theology Bulletin has evolved impressively over the years from its initial orientation toward Bible and Theology to its current reputation as the leading journal publishing cutting edge research utilizing social science methodologies to analyze the Bible. The Journal now pioneers the development of appropriate tools and methods for producing all varieties of ideological interpretation. The new sub-title, 'Journal of Bible and Culture' aptly describes this shift in focus.” John J. Pilch,
The Odyssey Program, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA

This journal is a member of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE)

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