Your Method Of Interpretation

I didn't take the poll because of one reason. I have asked this question before and have not received an answer. What does hermeneutical mean?

 

I actually outlined my hermeneutic in some detail here:

Hermeneutic of a Liberal

Joshua

 

Hey Joshua, et al,
What's scary is that 25% of the votes were cast for "None of the above".

In HIM,
Sola scriptura or die!
Scott

[ April 11, 2002, 08:31 PM: Message edited by: Scott Bushey ]

 

I almost cast a vote for "none of the above" because I remember one of my most embarrasing moments as a new Christian. Physically, I was 25 years old, but as a Christian, only a few months.

They were having a Bible Study on the Book of Jonah, and asked the meaning of one of the verses. Eagerly, I raised my hand and gave an answer. I watched with glea as the Sunday School teacher wrote my answer on the top of the board.

Then I watched in dismay as he put "1." before it, and then wrote a "2." under it and asked, "What did someone else see?"

The worst part was, that by the time he had NINE answers on the board, I could see that all NINE were valid. And I knew that I could not have "figured out" all nine. I needed the rest of the people in the class for me to get the most out of scripture.

Some of you may not need others as much as I do.

Andrey
www.achievebalance.com

 

Only one answer was valid as to "what the passage means." Language by nature only has one meaning and it is what the author intended his original audience to understand. There may be many applications but only one meaning. If any one came up with nine meanings, it was not because they were in the text. It was becasue someone has a hyperactive imagination.

 

Hi Audrey,
Thank you for your reply.
One of the most important items that can be gleaned from the process of hermeneutics is that scripture must have a standard interpretation. If it does not, then scripture is fully ambiguous and open to private interpretation across the board.
As believers, the most important promise given us is God's immutability of Himself and His word!

In HIM,
Scott

 

Good article on interpretation: On Reading the Bible Through Your Own Spectacles

 

Scott, thank you for your comments. But an example of my point is made in how you spelled my name.

I know who you meant, and I take no offense.

God is talking to us all, at the same time, and He is not a God of confusion. I never meant to sound like I approve of us making up our own interpretations, for I agree with you completely on that.

But, I do believe it is possible for God to say more than one thing at a time, and if He does, it is also probable that you and I would catch different parts.

You catch much of what He has said to you over the years, that is great.

Andrey (pronounced like the French Andre`)
www.achievebalance.com

 

Larry,
So, the little kid in me wants to know, since none of the nine contradicted each other, which one was right? Was I right because I was first?

All kidding aside, I refuse to limit God to what I can understand of Him.

He created language, so whatever limitations it has, He placed.

Also, I remember reading how the Holy Spirit is now my teacher, and if I had the ability to get all the meaning out of scripture (which I assure you I do not have) then I would not need the Holy Spirit in the same way that if I were not a sinner, I would not need Jesus.

God Bless Your Ministry, and your health.

Andrey
www.achievebalance.com

 

There may be several applications of any given passge of Scripture, but only one true interpretation. The meaning of Scripture is to be found as one diligently applies the literal, grammatical-historical method of interpretation under the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit (John 7:17; 16:12-15; 1 Cor.2:7-15; 1 John 2:20). It is the responsibility of believers to ascertain carefully the true intent and meaning of Scripture, recongnizing that proper application is binding on all generations. Yet the truth of Scripture stands in judgment of men; never do men stand in judgment of it.
John MacArthur

 

tnelson,

You may well be right. I suspect that we are playing with semantics and don't realize it.

But, what about the times when someone reads (for example) Psalm 23, many, many times, and then at one point sees that there is an act of force described in the second verse?

"He MAKES me lie down ..."

For those that are so busy in life, that they never even see the green pasture around them, that are so busy getting things done they never stop to 'smell the roses', I believe that God "MAKES" them lie down.

I had major surgery awhile back, and the 2nd verse of Psalm 23 came to a whole new meaning about my life and relationship with God, and with my immediate family.

That's why I believe that God gives us what we are ready for, and that there is always more.

My choice of words may have not been the best, sorry.

Andrey
www.achievebalance.com

 

I do not believe it is really a semantic game. There is only one meaning. Of the nine, I have no idea which if any was the correct meaning. I have not seen them nor the passage. What I do know is that there is only one meaning. If there is more than one meaning, rational communication becomes impossible.

Now you may be talking about application, or what is commonly called "significance." There can be more than one application depending on the context. But any legitimate application must be drawn from the single meaning of the text itself.

 

Not meaning to single out any certain post, but I disagree with the premises that there’s only one interpretation.... I think there are several meanings to certain verses... You can learn a verse one way and five years from now, you can see it in another light... It is written to all people, for all times, in all circumstances... Although, There is no private interpretation, the Bible is clearly written for each individual's benefit..... The hand can't say to the foot, we have no need of thee... We all can learn from each other......

 

So if there is more than one meaning to a set of words, how in the world did you understand what I said and what you are objecting to? And if there is more than one meaning to a set of words, how do you know you are objecting?? The second meaning of your words might be a statement of agreement.

It is funny how people never really think of the implications of making a statement such as you just made. If you are right, then rational communication becomes impossible. Everyone assumes a single meaning in communication.

As for later years and further reflection, the meaning never changes. The application to a life situation might but the meaning never does.

 

Joshua, not to be personal, but I believe that could also be called the "McAfee Hermeneutic". I have been to their web site and seen copies of syllabi for several classes, and upon further review I probably could not last one semester there based upon what I've read.