Additional information
by Arnold H. de Graaff (Author)
Scripture's compelling message of love and justice is powerfully relevant for today. The implications of the Amsterdam way of interpreting Scripture are evident throughout the book. It is both a personal and timely way of speaking, to our disintegrating society. The Prophetic Call to Love and Justice provides a meaningful and radical yet simple way of (re)connecting with the Bible. As one of the founders of the Amsterdam way of interpretation, Karel Deurloo, stated, "The opportunity to learn anew and understand the language of the Bible has been taken away." Often the focus is on the assumed origin and history of a text, a historical/literary approach, or a fundamentalist view creating a fragmented, moralistic, and doctrinaire emphasis which has alienated many from churches. Instead, Deurloo and others focused on the prophetic meaning that speaks to all of us as the living word of God today. This alternative is rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures. Its abiding prophetic message of love and justice is reiterated in the Gospels and apostolic letters. Hence the choice of subtitle: Rediscovering the Old Testament. It is a joyful journey of discovery, finding new meaning in the Bible for our lives.
Author Biography
Arnold H. De Graaff grew up in an orthodox, Calvinistic family in Holland, with an emphasis on being chosen or condemned, either a believer or non-believer. His lifelong search for an alternative vision was discovered in the Amsterdam tradition of interpreting Scripture which emphasizes the prophetic message of love and justice. He has been involved in larger societal issues, as an academic, curriculum developer, psychotherapist, artist, and community activist. He is retired, living in the town of Mono.
