Theological terms --
Hermeneutics -- definition from Merrium-Webster dictionary:
her·me·neu·tic: Function: noun
1 : the study of the methodological principles of interpretation (as of the Bible)
2 : a method or principle of interpretation
Etymology: Greek hermEneutikos, from hermEneuein to interpret, from hermEneus interpreter
Exegesis -- Grudem's Systematic Theology
"The process of interpreting a text of scripture."
Memory verse: 2 Timothy 2:15
Key Passage: 2 Peter 3:14-18
Article:
Chicago Statement on Biblical Hermeneutics
This is an "academic" paper and may push you some to read and comprehend, but it is a worthwhile challenge. We will try to create a list of principles for Bible interpretation in class that is in our own language. Feel free to start submitting ideas for the list here on the blog.
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3 comments:
Here is the summary of our discussion this morning. We arrived at the following "real language" list of rules for interpreting scripture.
1. Scripture interprets scripture. The first source for understanding a passage from the Bible is the other teachings of the Bible.
2. The Holy Spirit must guide us in our interpretation AND application of the scriptures.
3. It means what it says, and it says what it means. We try to take the scriptures at face value as much as possible. We avoided the term "literal" because that term is used in different ways by different people and can be confusing today.
4. The context of a passage is important to its understanding. We must strive to read the Bible in a wholistic way, and avoid "proof-texting."
5. We need to contextualize the applications. We need to evaluate culture and situations in order to apply the timeless, unchanging truths of scripture to the changing situations and cultures of our day.
6. After consulting other scriptures, we turn to helps and reference materials to further clarify the meaning of a text.
7. Good interpretation requires HUMILITY! We must be willing to allow scripture to change our presuppositions and not change scripture to fit our preconceived ideas.
Two others we didn't put on the list, but talked about and they should be there are:
1. Jesus is the central focus of all scripture. Jesus is the main character, the hero, of the whole Bible -- from Genesis through Revelation.
2. There is a specific and intentional meaning to all scripture, and we must seek to find THE meaning, not simply one of many possible meanings. This meaning is what God intended, and not subjectively based on our opinions.
Anything you guys want to add to this???
I finally got here to see the summary!
My list was not as long, I had:
Prayer
Scripture interprets Scripture
Context
All about Jesus
Hey, is anyone actually memorizing the verses?
~Scott
Good question about memorizing, Scott. Let's hold each other accountable on that starting this week. I have not put verses to memorize on every week yet, but I will go back and make a point of it.
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