THE 6651 BIBLICAL HERMENEUTICS Photo https://www.flickr.com/photos/adavey/2427079194/in/photostream/ Class XII: Integrating the Three Worlds © Dr. Esa Autero

Behind the Text I: History & Grammar Integrating the Three Worlds Behind the Text I: History & Grammar 1.1 Integrating the Three Worlds Three worlds of biblical hermeneutics Hermeneutical dimensions WITHIN (Genre, structure, plot…) BEHIND IN FRONT OF - Historical background - Interpretative history - Text’s prehistory - Reader’s context - Application/appropriation TEXT *Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/shawncalvert/5234727635/in/photostream/

Behind the Text I: History & Grammar Integrating the Three Worlds Behind the Text I: History & Grammar How to integrate the three worlds of biblical hermeneutics? Hermeneutically integrated approach – how to do it in practice? WITHIN (Genre, structure…) BEHIND IN FRONT OF - Historical background - Interpretative history - Text’s prehistory - Reader’s context - Application/appropriation Different dimensions of the text accounted for – multidimensionality In practice one or two emphasized in analysis  Dimensions, approaches/methods used already an interpretative decision TEXT *Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/shawncalvert/5234727635/in/photostream/

Integrating the Three Worlds Integration of Three worlds help… Understand the hermeneutical process Look at the text in a multidimensional way Evaluate the interpreter’s contribution & presuppositions Contested areas – meaning and objectivity In what sense can we talk about objectivity or objective meaning of the text What exactly is the reader’s contribution in interpretative process What is the “nature” of language and texts – degree of polyvalency

Integrating the Three Worlds Orientation to theological questions How is meaning possible theologically?  God is not “yes” and “no” at the same time Humans able to communicate and understand language by virtue of imago Dei Doctrinal statements & tradition as “guard rails” Collective experience and guidance of the Holy Spirit What is the role of the Holy Spirit in interpretation? How do theological “systems” & traditions guide us hermeneutically? How do we read the Bible theologically? How do we move from the Bible to theology and practice?  These questions will occupy us in the last two sessions Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/s_edwards/4801464694/

Integrating the Three Worlds Interpret Lk 12:22-34 by integrating the Three worlds Make a note of the following… 1) Behind the text: Background information (history, culture, social setting etc.) & text’s prehistory 2) Within the text: What is the genre and structure of the section? Is there a climax? What is it? Relationship to the literary context? 3) In front of the text: Influence of past interpretations; my socio- economic, cultural & theological situatedness; present-day meaning (theology & practice) and how I reached it 4) Self-reflection: which dimension of the text did I focus on? Why? What led you emphasize this dimension?

Integrating the Three Worlds Interpret Jam 1:1-27 by integrating the Three worlds Make note of the following… 1) Behind the text: Background information (history, culture, social setting etc.) & text’s prehistory 2) Within the text: What is the genre and structure of the section? Is there a climax? What is it? Relationship to the literary context? 3) In front of the text: Influence of past interpretations; my socio-economic, cultural & theological situatedness; present-day meaning (theology & practice) and how I reached it 4) Self-reflection: which dimension of the text did I focus on? Why? What led you emphasize this dimension?