Interpretation of the Bible and Hermeneutics Essay

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Interpretation is problematic, not only because of the restrictions in understanding ancient written languages and the nuances of their cultural contexts, but also with regards to understanding the textual and contextual factors involved in exegesis and hermeneutics. For the bulk of early Christian history, the responsibility for interpreting scripture was assigned to official authorities in the church. Low literacy rates among the general public enabled the perpetuation of elitist hermeneutics. However, the Reformation and the Enlightenment changed everything. To be a competent and responsible interpreter of scripture does not require membership in the clergy but instead belief and belonging to the Christian community, according to Boring (2012). Furthermore, Boring (2012) claims that interpretation of the Bible is a dynamic and ongoing act. Hermeneutics and exegesis are not static, but dynamic and discursive engagements with the primary sources to allow scripture to remain relevant regardless of shifts in geography, historical epoch, and culture.

The Enlightenment dramatically shifted cultural norms and values, creating a space for secularism in society. Reason and scientific inquiry were used to denounce religion, especially as the realms of Church and State grew increasingly apart. Likewise, the Old and New Testament were subject to intense scrutiny by academics, leading to a new method of interpretation.

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Whereas scripture had long been taken for granted as authoritative, universal, and eternally relevant, the Enlightenment encouraged a more critical view that took into account factors like historicity and authenticity. The historical-critical method, or historical criticism, treats the Bible as a work of literature or historiography rather than as a sacred text. The good that came out of the Enlightenment attacks on the Christian scriptures is that it actually led to a broader understanding of how to apply Biblical truths to changing social and historical circumstances. Historical criticism created a lively and ongoing debate, continuing to affect how scripture is read and understood. The historical-critical method prevents the crystallization of scripture and other problems associated with fundamentalism.

Pope Pius XII and the Divino Afflante Spiritu exemplify the ways the Catholic Church has integrated the results of historical-critical inquiry into hermeneutics. These advancements in official Church doctrine allow for fluid and broad understandings of contextual variables that enhance the validity and applicability of scripture. Most importantly, the welcoming of historical criticism through Divino Afflante Spiritu and other texts permits an understanding of the historical, political, social and cultural contexts of the era….....

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