This book defends the claims of historical-critical research into the New Testament as necessary for theological interpretation. Presenting an interdisciplinary study about the nature of theological language, this book considers the modern debate in theological hermeneutics beginning with the Barth-Bultmann debate and moving towards a theory of language which brings together historical-critical and theological interpretation. These insights are then applied to the exegesis of theologically significant texts of the Gospel of John in the light of the hermeneutical discussion. Drawing together the German and Anglo-American hermeneutical traditions, and discussing issues related to postmodern hermeneutical theories, this book develops a view of the New Testament as the reflection of a struggle for language in which the early Church worked to bring about a language through which the new faith could be understood.

Contents: Language and logos; Biblical interpretation in conflict; The starting point: Karl Barth and Rudolf Bultmann; The long path to language; Interpreting John: introductory questions; The Prologue: John 1:1-18; Jesus and Nicodemus: John 3:1-21; The final prayer: John 17; From theological hermeneutics to hermeneutical theology; Bibliography; Index.