Putting Personal Experience Back into the Equation: A Reply to Clinton and Bookman

Abstract

The role of the person in interpreting the Bible and integrating psychology and theology has always been problematic. Some approaches emphasize personal, subjective experience. Others emphasize objective biblical truth. This article attempts to show the importance and difficulty in communicating balance of the two extremes. Critiques of my prior attempts to bring personal experience back into the equation are evaluated—in terms of biblical interpretation that is first, dominated by and second, free from personal experience. It is concluded that God himself has put both Scripture and the person at the heart of interpretation and integration. We dare not remove either one.