Hermeneutics
Hey guys, this next couple weeks we’ll be looking at Hermeneutics. What is Hermeneutics you may ask? Well, it’s basically a study of methods used to interpreting the Bible. Essentially what we’re looking to do in this next series of posts is to get an overview of not only what is Hermeneutics but how to apply practically in our Christian lives.
It probably comes as no surprise but the Bible literacy among the unchurched has fallen drastically over the years. In the time of the big name evangelists like Graham, Sunday and Moody everyone knew the Bible but now only those who grow up in the church know it to any degree. I can testify in my own experience that most of my knowledge of the Bible came from the episodes of the Simpsons. I knew of Noah, Moses and Adam and Eve. I knew of Jesus as the “Son of God” but not knowing He was God. I could not name a book of the Bible and all I essentially knew of its contents was their was a “Old” and “New” Testament.
Unfortunately, Christians today are not much better today. Statistics are readily available online to see that the vast majority of church going Christians do not read their Bible and therefore do not know it. This is a sad state of affairs and I think a lot of it has to do with the Bible not being seen as relevant. People read the Bible and do not see how they may make practical use of their reading and they do not understand a lot of what they read. This I think also ties in with the lack of grammar knowledge amongst people today as well but that’s another rant.
That is the reason I wish to do this series, I wish for us in this overview to look at at some of the principles behind Hermeneutics that we all can apply so we can dig into the word of God and let it grasp unto us and change us! This post has just been a summary and an introduction to the series but I hope I have whet your appetite. Until next week,
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Great subject to discuss – may I suggest the following texts as among the best on this subject:
1) J.A. Ernesti, 1761, Principles of New Testament Interpretation. (This is the classic text on the literal method interpretation and has been highly influential ever since its publication.)
2) W.C. Kaiser, 1982, Towards and Exegetical Theology. (Kaiser is especially good on interpreting and preaching from the OT.)
3) Chapters I-IV of J.D. Pentecost’s ‘Things To Come’ also provides and excellent survey of the history of Biblical interpretation and provides great insight into the interpretation of prophecy.
I do look forward to Bro. Basic’s articles as well the discussion I trust it will generate.
Looking forward to it.
your a brave man Alen:)
As we are priming the pump in anticipation of next week… one of the most influential books for me has been “Christ Centred Preaching” by Brian Chappell..
@PJ, I’ve got all three of those books. I plan on going through them when I’ve finished reading my current book.
@Robert, what can I say? I am young and foolish :)