I think the two ideas are similar to each other. Augustine is even mentioned in the article written by J. Todd Billings. Both methods of interpreting the Bible advise having a thorough base of knowledge when reading the Bible. They both say to be cautious in misinterpreting the Bible while reading it. Augustine and Billings both argue the same point essentially, but they differ in a slight way.
While reading Augustine I get the impression of an individual study. His advice is based on one person reading the Bible and not misinterpreting the words found there. He basically says to make sure your background for understanding is complete so as not to misconstrue the meaning of the text. He seems to believe having the historical context in which these were written is important to apprehend the true meaning of each passage. Augustine makes it clear that a reader must be able to decipher idioms from truly meaningful passages of texts I understood all of this advice to be aimed at an individual reader rather than an entire group of readers. Billings stressed that study of the Bible must be studied within a group. It is a main point of his expressed within the article.
I think this is a positive way to approach the Bible because it helps someone to understand the origins of the passages. It makes helps someone to understand the Bible whether they have super strong faith or no faith at all. Appreciation can spring from knowledge instead of faith.
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