Foundational Issues  

 

The purposes of this exercise are to:  

 

Introduce the student to the eight structures that define a field of study. Apply the eight structures to the discipline of biblical hermeneutics. Provide students with framework analyzing and evaluating course content. Completion of this exercise will require research beyond the reading of the textbooks – be sure to cite all sources used in the completion of the assignment. State your responses as completely, clearly and precisely as you can. Details are important.  

 

Concepts  

 

The exegetical process is expressed through and shaped by, concepts – ideas, theories, laws, principles, and models.  

 

Define the following terms:  

 

Biblical Criticism/Critical Methods Eisegesis Exegesis Hermeneutics Textual Criticism Translation Theory Purpose  

 

What is the fundamental purpose(s) and goal(s) of the exegetical process?  

 

List the purposes and goals of the exegetical process.  

 

Question  

 

The exegetical process addresses a fundamental set of questions, problems or issues.  

 

What question(s) do interpreters/exegetes ask?  

 

Assumptions  

The exegetical process is based on assumptions.  

What assumptions do you as an interpreter of Scripture begin with?  

Assumptions about the origin, authority, and relevance of the Bible Assumptions about the interpreter Assumptions about the exegetical process Information  

The exegetical process identifies data, information, and/or evidence relevant to its fundamental question at issue.  

What kinds of information do interpreters/exegetes use? List and define the kinds of information interpreters of the Bible use in determining meaning and application.  

Inferences  

The exegetical process contains inferences or interpolations by which conclusions are drawn.  

 

What kinds of conclusions do interpreters/exegetes make? Give some examples of each kind of conclusion.  

Point of View  

The exegetical process is conducted from some point of view or frame of reference. All points of view in the research should be identified. Objections from competing points of view should be identified and fairly addressed.  

Why is point of view important in reading and interpreting the Bible?  

What is your point of view? (i.e., believer, agnostic, unbeliever, atheist; fundamentalist, conservative, moderate, liberal, etc.)  

What has shaped your point of view?  

Implications  

The exegetical process leads somewhere (i.e., has implications and consequences). What are some implications of the exegetical process?  

What are the implications of taking the meaning of the passage seriously?  

What are the implications of not taking the meaning of the passage seriously?