What is a proper use of comparative material in biblical studies? The article reflects upon the concept of "parallelomania," where scholars find supposed similarities in passages and then describe their source as if to imply a literary connection that flows in a predetermined direction.

Solutions to problems in society and literature are more often today sought in the structure of things. Origin is no longer the almost-exclusive focus of attention in biblical studies. Structuralism springs from social sciences. Poythress evaluates it for its value as an exegetical tool.

Kaiser confronts what he sees as the assault on the prominent position of the teaching of Biblical Studies in the curriculum of theological training at seminaries in the USA.