This interprets the Bible as having a second level of meaning beyond the actual people, places, and events mentioned. Clement of Alexandria and Origen were two adherents of this approach, although Origen embraced a threefold approach to Scripture as literal, moral, and spiritual allegorical. As is evident from Origen, multiple types of hermeneutics can be synthesized. Anagogical or mystical interpretation. The anagogical approach was more typical to Jewish study than Christianity. This approach interprets biblical events as prefigures of the afterlife.
Today, there are many kinds of hermeneutics , and many of them can be used in tandem. Each emphasizes different approaches to Scripture. Some focus on approaching the Bible from a historical or archeological standpoint, while others see the meaning of the Bible as shifting and adapting with culture.
A hermeneutic approach depends on the goal in mind. As Dr. Ellen White writes for the Biblical Archaeology Society,. However, if you want to understand the gender politics between Miriam and Moses in the wilderness, you would use a feminist or womanist approach to the text. Different hermeneutical approaches can sometimes lead to wildly different interpretations. This is why, even among noted theologians and perhaps especially here , there is a wide variety of opinion and teaching.
We all use some sort of hermeneutic when we approach the biblical text. The question is, are we using a good hermeneutic? There are three guidelines that will generally contribute to a healthy approach. The first is to assume that the Bible, in general, says what it means. A second tip is to consider the passage in context. What was the historical context? Who wrote it? Who were they writing to, if anyone? What was the cultural context? What was going on at the time? What verses precede and follow the passage?
There Are No Objective Observers. Just as the Bible arose within historical, personal circumstances, so does our own interpretations. Hermeneutics is needed to overcome four barriers caused by our distance: Time Distance. Cultural Distance. Therefore, we must inform ourselves of the foreign cultures and customs of the Bible, and be aware of our own which color interpretation. Geographical Distance. Language Distance.
Perhaps most importantly, there is the reality that the Bible is written in languages inaccessible to most people. Jeremy Bouma Jeremy Bouma Th. I am most grateful for your comments David. I too have a long way to go…to far to describe really so I am with you too…a student of the Master. Thanks Jack, Your article reminds us how important it is to keep in mind the situation in which the Words of the Bible were written.
In other words, just like you said, context is very important. Funny joke Robert. I believe you are being more humble here for knowing your biblical education I know that you know a lot more that you are letting in on here. Herman who? Loved it. I agree because I can take your own words out of context too, as with anyone else, and make them say things they never intended. LOL Thanks brother. You up and did it again, not like Britney Spears, what an enlightening article.
For the longest time I had no idea how to properly ascertain the correct meaning, now I have an even better tool! Well, you certainly cleared that up for me, first stop on the way home, I am going to pick up the NASB version of the Key Word study Bible, and dig into it. Jack, for the past six months or so I literally get excited and so look forward to studying the Bible, my wife thinks I have lost it, I think different!
Because of this thirst my tv gets turned on very little, I get my tasks done that I have to do and spend the night studying. I told my wife what it was about and she could not believe it, I had to show her and she was amazed. Thank you again Jack for yet another in a series of eye opening articles! Hi Chris, I just had to say how your comment encourages me. That only comes out of a love for God Himself.
And it only gets better. God bless you, Chris. Yours in Christ, Robert. Chris, as usual, your are more kind to me than I deserve for truly, what do I have or what have I learned that I did not receive from above. I love the fact that your wife thinks you lost it…. For one thing, the more I learn about the Bible, the more I realize just how much there is in it and in a thousand lifetimes, I could never stop learning.
I also realize just how ignorant I am still in many areas. I still think your related to Barnabas…such an encourager. God bless you my friend and thank you. This was a great explanation on this topic. I learned about hermeneutics in Bible College, but I never really attempted to apply it. Thank you for helping me understand it better.
I can say that hermeneutics is a great tool to use. I have a long way to go too on this journey. Thank you for another educational article Jack!
0コメント