A LIBRARIAN’S ORIENTATION
What this book explores
Scot McKnight argues that Christians do not simply read and obey the Bible without interpreting it. Every church follows some teachings directly, adapts others, and decides how Scripture’s story speaks in a different time. Using women in church leadership as his main example, he invites evangelical readers to make that process more honest and thoughtful.
EDITORIAL NOTE
Why it’s in the Library
It offers an internal evangelical bridge from selective literalism toward conscious interpretation. Travelers do not have to give up a high view of Scripture before admitting that faithful application always involves judgment, culture, and community.
Good starting place if…
You remain committed to Scripture but need an accessible evangelical way to think about interpretation, cultural context, and faithful disagreement.
Know before you begin…
McKnight is reforming evangelical interpretation from within, not setting biblical authority aside. Women’s ministry is his central example, not the book’s only subject. Readers may still want fuller attention to historical criticism, power, and whose voices are allowed to shape community decisions.