4.1 ways of interpreting the scripture terminology

Question 1

What is meant by exegesis

Answer 1

interpreting the text

Question 2

What is hermeneutics?

Answer 2

the branch of knowledge that deals with the interpretation of the text, usually the Bible

Question 3

What is the hermeneutic circle?

Answer 3

• refers to the idea that an understanding of the whole text comes from studying each individual part and the understanding of each individual part comes from studying the whole text
• it is a circular process

Question 4

What is meant by natural theology?

Answer 4

• knowledge of God based on reason and experience, not divine revelation

Question 5

What is meant by higher criticism?

Answer 5

• the historical approach, which examines the world behind the text; compared with lower criticism, which focuses on the original text and its meaning

Question 6

What is meant by narrative criticism?

Answer 6

• follows that the text should be read as a whole
• the focus is on the structure, characters, plot, themes and motifs
• it should be responded to as the author intended

Question 7

What is meant by demythologising?

Answer 7

• removing the mythological element to reveal the intended kerygma, the original message

Question 8

What is meant by existentialism?

Answer 8

• a philosophical approach which considers that humans are ‘thrown into the world’ as free agents and must make their own decisions in life
• it is a world where God does not intervene and there is no afterlife