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Article: Words in Action: Speech Act Theory and Biblical Interpretation, Toward a Theory of Self-Involvement.(Book Review)
- Article from:
- Theological Studies
- Article date:
- March 1, 2004
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2004 Theological Studies, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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By Richard S. Briggs. New York: T. & T. Clark, 2001. Pp. xi + 352. $41.95.
The aim of Briggs's project (his Ph.D. thesis written under Anthony Thistleton at the University of Nottingham) is to flesh out speech-act theory as a coherent method for interpreting NT texts and biblical theology. B. describes "speech acts" as those whose utterance both requires and achieves a change in the stance of the speaker or defines the institution's frame for inclusion of believers. Speech acts include words of Jesus to the healed, prayers, promises, confessional assertions (Jesus is Lord), doctrinal assurances, and pastoral directives to believers.
Refreshingly, B. ...