4.1 ways of interpreting the scripture terminology Flashcards
1
Q
What is meant by exegesis
A
interpreting the text
2
Q
What is hermeneutics?
A
the branch of knowledge that deals with the interpretation of the text, usually the Bible
3
Q
What is the hermeneutic circle?
A
- 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
4
Q
What is meant by natural theology?
A
- knowledge of God based on reason and experience, not divine revelation
5
Q
What is meant by higher criticism?
A
- the historical approach, which examines the world behind the text; compared with lower criticism, which focuses on the original text and its meaning
6
Q
What is meant by narrative criticism?
A
- 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
7
Q
What is meant by demythologising?
A
- removing the mythological element to reveal the intended kerygma, the original message
8
Q
What is meant by existentialism?
A
- 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