Dr. Brent A. Strawn’s presentation explores the “macrogenre of Scripture”—that is, how the Bible as a whole functions as a vast, interconnected literary and theological form. He argues that to read the Bible faithfully, one must understand not only its individual genres (law, prophecy, lament, wisdom, gospel, epistle, etc.) but also the overarching “genre” that unites them into a coherent sacred narrative. Strawn suggests that this macrogenre is not reducible to any single literary type, but rather constitutes a theological library that teaches its audience how to live faithfully before God across time, culture, and circumstance. He contrasts this with modern tendencies to fragment Scripture—treating texts as isolated moral lessons, prooftexts, or inspirational quotes—which distorts the way Scripture is meant to be experienced and lived.
In developing his argument, Strawn shows that recognizing Scripture’s macrogenre requires attention to its internal diversity and dialogical unity—the way multiple voices, traditions, and forms interact across the canon. He highlights how genres like lament or law gain deeper meaning when placed within the larger story of covenant and redemption. Strawn concludes that reading Scripture through its macrogenre equips the faithful to engage with its complexity, to inhabit its world, and to be formed by its composite witness rather than by isolated readings. This holistic vision of the Bible—as a symphony of genres working together—invites readers to recover the breadth, depth, and vitality of biblical faith.
Timestamps
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Introduction: Defining the “macrogenre” question 0:00
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Why genre matters in biblical interpretation 4:20
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Scripture as a library of genres 9:10
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From microgenres to the macrogenre 14:45
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Intertextual dialogue across the canon 21:30
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Dangers of fragmentary reading 27:00
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Theological coherence amid diversity 32:40
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Implications for preaching and teaching 39:15
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Formational reading of Scripture 45:10
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Conclusion: Living within the macrogenre 50:30
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