Scripture is central to the life of Christian communities, but what is it that drives Christians to continuously reflect on its words? In offering a response, Sarisky examines scriptural interpretation from a theological viewpoint which centers on the following four issues: the identity of the reader of Scripture, the nature of the Bible itself, what occurs during the practice of reading, and the significance of reading's location in an ecclesial setting. 

Divided into three parts, the book begins with a presentation of Basil of Caesarea's theological account of biblical interpretation by synthesizing his position on these issues. It then offers a critical interaction with Stanley Hauerwas and Rowan Williams, both major contributors to the lively discussion of theological interpretation of Scripture. The book culminates with a third theological account: that it is necessary to view readers as creatures shaped in the image of God who find their purpose and fulfillment in attaining his likeness, yet there is a marked difference between how people are and how they ought to be. Scripture's theological character is instrumental in highlighting this gap and restoring human life to its proper form. As a result, the ability of Scripture to allow readers to realize their vocation as human beings is central to the concept within Christian communities.