rrobinson

BA, Ursinus College, 1969; MDiv, Yale Divinity School, 1974; PhD, Yale University, 1982.

Dr. Robert Robinson's interest lies in the theory and practice of interpretation and particularly in the application of current literary techniques to the interpretation of the Bible. Behind that interest is a desire to see the Bible read with understanding and confidence by all Christians. Approaching the Bible as a consummately profound literary work allows the sort of disciplined observation and probing discussion that leads to deeper understanding of the Word of God for our lives.

He has written a commentary on the Book of Genesis. The commentary uses such familiar literary terms as character, plot, theme and allusion to knit together a holistic picture of the book. At the same time he is attempting to return to the history of interpretation of Genesis to learn from earlier readers, many of them sublimely brilliant, what they saw as most important in each passage and how that message spoke to the life of their community of faith.

Dr. Robinson and faculty colleague the Dr. Erik Heen reflected on the Bible and public theology in the Summer 2008 issue of the seminary magazine PS, available online. Dr. Robinson's comments are collected in a series of video clips here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvO7WDe8kt0.