Hauerwas is controversial and challenging. His basic thesis here is that the Bible belongs to the church, and only the Church should be its interpreters. Along the way he visits subjects such as church state, biblical studies, and ecclessiology. On the one hand, Hauerwas does not have a traditionally high view of scripture, but his respect (and obedience to) the Bible is clear throughout.

This is a wonderful book for pastors, and for laypeople who have some theological acumen. ( )