Yamauchi reflects on three contrasting attitudes toward and interpretations of Scripture. The first sees Scripture as a talisman, where Scripture is used almost as a magical tool. The reference to Scripture as a specimen points to the critical analysis of the texts, as objects of academic study. A third view sees Scripture as a dragoman. The author sees this as a believing approach to the biblical text, where the reader seeks guidance through careful inquiry into the original setting of the texts to determine their significance for today.