Lesson 7 Review

Question 1

1. What are three major elements involved in interpreting a text?

Answer 1

A. The author
B. The text
C. The reader

Question 2

2. What does modern thinking recognise?

Answer 2

Postmodern thinking recognises that the truth cannot exist in a completely objective vacuum.

Question 3

3. Each individual comes to the text with what?

Answer 3

All of us come to the text with presuppositions, assumptions and beliefs.

Question 4

4. What should we do with preconceived ideas?

Answer 4

We should acknowledge them and take them into account when evaluating our interpretation.

Question 5

5. What is the hermeneutical spiral?

Answer 5

We start with an assumption of what the text means, use it to interpret scripture, modify our assumptions based on what we learn, and then look at the text again for better interpretation based on our understanding.

Question 6

6. What are the two main methods on interpreting scripture?

Answer 6

A. The grammatical- historical method

B. Allegorical method

Question 7

7. Why should we avoid the allegorical method of interpretation?

Answer 7

The allegorical method of interpretation commits the error of eisegesis - reading a meaning back into the text.

Question 8

8. What is necessary for an individual to understand all the scriptures and to apply them to their life?

Answer 8

Unless the reader is filled with the Holy Spirit, they cannot understand all the scriptures.

Question 9

Spiritual illumination does not supersede what?

Answer 9

Spiritual illumination will not supersede Biblical truth.