Abstract
Within Christian communities, the problem of the unity of Scripture involves biblical, theological, and practical dimensions. This interdisciplinary study surveys some of the major questions that emerge for theological interpretation of Scripture that follows the hermeneutical circle of Scripture, theology, and practice. The article also briefly explores a possible model of community response. The investigation first examines questions concerning the unity of Scripture at each of the three interfaces of the hermeneutical circle: (1) Scripture and theology, (2) theology and practice, and (3) praxis and Scripture. Historical examples from various periods in the history of Christianity are employed to describe issues of continuing significance. Particular attention is given to a dialectic in the history of biblical interpretation between "one right meaning" (Irenaeus) and "one right method" (Origen). Each interface offers a differing but potentially complementary perspective on this challenging and perennial problem. Then the article explores responses to the questions for the Christian communities that view Scripture as the primary source of religious authority. The responses use a modified version of canonical hermeneutics and a blended diversity of theological models. The study seeks to show that the development of a hermeneutical circle of community, moving through these three dynamic interfaces, offers an approach that holds the unity of Scripture together with theology and practice.