Interpretation
That’s Just Your Interpretation!
-A Guide to Better Bible Interpretation-
The word hermeneutics is defined as the art and science of biblical interpretation. The word is likely rooted in the name for the Greek god Hermes who was a mythical messenger between the gods and mortals. The task of hermeneutics is just that: To determine the meaning of Scripture.
Why is Interpretation so Difficult?
1. Distance of Time
2. Distance of Culture
3. Distance of Geography
4. Distance of Language
* We bring our own time, culture, geography & language to the text
Despite these difficulties, two gifts from God make it possible to access the meaning of the Scriptures:
1. The Holy Spirit
2. The Human Head
* Both of these gifts may be claimed without actually being utilized!
The Gift of the Spirit in Interpretation
1. We interpret better when we are believers
2. We interpret better when we are obedient
3. We interpret better when we are Spirit-filled
4. We interpret better when we are in the church
The Gift of the Head in Interpretation
Christians believe that God has communicated using discernable human language with discerning human beings. Correct interpretation is possible.
How to R.E.A.D. the Bible Well
Recognize Progressive Revelation
Evaluate the Context(s)
Accept the Genre for what it is
Define the Terms correctly
Examples of Bad Interpretation
* Identify which rules are being broken in the interpretations below
1. President Bartlet’s Speech
2. Health & Wealth Theology
3. Proverbial Children
4. Non-Bodily Resurrection
5. Apocalyptic Literalism
6. Individualistic Insights
7. Dispensationalization
Examples of Tough Interpretation
* Identify which rules are important in regards to the debates below
1. Creation Debate
2. Nephilim Debate
3. Song of Solomon Debate
4. Jesus’ Genealogy Debate
5. Romans 11 Debate
6. Role of Women Debate
7. Millennium Debate
When we read the Bible well, we safeguard ourselves from many incorrect interpretations. Scripture’s meaning is usually clear, but some difficulties remain urging restraint from dogma.
-A Guide to Better Bible Interpretation-
The word hermeneutics is defined as the art and science of biblical interpretation. The word is likely rooted in the name for the Greek god Hermes who was a mythical messenger between the gods and mortals. The task of hermeneutics is just that: To determine the meaning of Scripture.
Why is Interpretation so Difficult?
1. Distance of Time
2. Distance of Culture
3. Distance of Geography
4. Distance of Language
* We bring our own time, culture, geography & language to the text
Despite these difficulties, two gifts from God make it possible to access the meaning of the Scriptures:
1. The Holy Spirit
2. The Human Head
* Both of these gifts may be claimed without actually being utilized!
The Gift of the Spirit in Interpretation
1. We interpret better when we are believers
2. We interpret better when we are obedient
3. We interpret better when we are Spirit-filled
4. We interpret better when we are in the church
The Gift of the Head in Interpretation
Christians believe that God has communicated using discernable human language with discerning human beings. Correct interpretation is possible.
How to R.E.A.D. the Bible Well
Recognize Progressive Revelation
Evaluate the Context(s)
Accept the Genre for what it is
Define the Terms correctly
Examples of Bad Interpretation
* Identify which rules are being broken in the interpretations below
1. President Bartlet’s Speech
2. Health & Wealth Theology
3. Proverbial Children
4. Non-Bodily Resurrection
5. Apocalyptic Literalism
6. Individualistic Insights
7. Dispensationalization
Examples of Tough Interpretation
* Identify which rules are important in regards to the debates below
1. Creation Debate
2. Nephilim Debate
3. Song of Solomon Debate
4. Jesus’ Genealogy Debate
5. Romans 11 Debate
6. Role of Women Debate
7. Millennium Debate
When we read the Bible well, we safeguard ourselves from many incorrect interpretations. Scripture’s meaning is usually clear, but some difficulties remain urging restraint from dogma.
posted by matthew at 11:24 AM
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