Miyerkules, Pebrero 8, 2017

Literal and contextual interpretation of the Bible

(Teacher's Note: One very important consideration in "rereaading the scripture" -- that is, the second phase of the 'spiral' -- is an appropriate interpretation interpretation of the text. Writing a true theological reflection must include the "social text" or the current social issues and contradictions, or what is called "the social drama of power." Students in Theo 111 were given an initial knowledge on exegesis. When properly learned and internalized, one would be able to appreciate the bible better as one sees that it speaks, not only about God's/Jesus' desire for all of us, but our own voices, though at times, silenced, expressing our hopes and yearnings for peace based on justice. I want to point out, as the following article suggest, that understanding the bible takes some "skills and awareness." And that is: to know which text should be taken literally, prophetically, metaphorically or symbolically. As teacher of theology of justice, I am inclined to emphasize the prophetic interpretation. Meaning, beyond the literal I want students to see and describe the face of social evil in the structures of our social, as well personal, life; why this is happening; and what can be done about it to change conditions that exploit and oppress the people, especially the poor.

The following article, The Difference between Literal and Contextual interpretation of the Bible" will help students to write their own theological reflections with a rather "prophetic twang.")

Difference between a Literal and Contextual interpretation of the Bible?

Usually, when people talk about taking the Bible literally, they mean reading it straightforwardly and trusting it as a reliable historical record. That's hardly a "fundie" thing to do. It's possible to be aware of the usual problems in Biblical scholarship and still think the Bible is historically trustworthy.

The contextual approach to reading the Bible is multifaceted, because there are so many different contexts that inform the way we read it (the social context, the political context, the theological context, the historical context, etc). A person who uses this approach might or might not take the Bible literally.
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If you are using sound principles of Biblical exegesis the difference lies in recognizing what type of writing section you are in. If you are reading a historical section of the Bible like the gospel accounts then the events are literal. However, even in a historical section there may be a passage where someone is speaking prophetically.

Prophetic passages often use symbols that represent literal truths but are not to be taken literally. Poetic passages do the same thing at times. Also parables use word pictures that are meant to convey literal truths but you have to see beyond the symbols to discover the truth.

Matthew 13:31 Another parable He put forth to them, saying: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, 32 which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches."

In the context of the above passage it is literally true that the Lord Jesus said these words. However He was speaking in parables while teaching so you know that a "mustard seed" is supposed to represent something and it is not to be taken literally.

(Source: unknown)

  


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