It has been my practice over the years as a Bible teacher to use my own outlines and my own commentary as much as I am able when presenting study material. However I do use good sound resources produced by others in the preparation for and the presentation of the studies that I undertake. One of the men that I find to be most helpful is Dr. Norman Geisler. While I cannot say that I am in full agreement with all of Dr. Geisler's theology, I do love the systematic and logical approach that he employs in his writings, particularly in the arena of Christian Apologetics.
As we begin our study of Hermeneutics I think it would be helpful to establish a good set of working definitions for terms that relate in critical ways to our topic at hand, that being; sound principles of interpretation. The following list of terms and definitions will help to set the ground rules for our future studies together. Dr. Geisler's work has been very helpful in this effort, particularly volume four of his "Systematic Theology".
A key phrase that we used in our previous study "The Word of God" was the knowability of scripture. There are several implications to be considered when we apply this concept. The idea being that man can understand through the use of his God given mind what the omniscient mind of God has expressed clearly in the scriptures. Remember, the Holy Spirit is always ready willing and able to assist every one in this great adventure, so that is no excuse for not getting it (Jn.14:26;
I Tim.2:4; II Pet.3:9).
1. The mind - the constituent aspect of sentient being that is the center of thought, the place where thinking takes place in a person and where understanding takes place.
2. Meaning - understanding, comprehension or intelligibility that the mind derives from thinking.
3. Intention - that which a mind intended to express through communication, what was meant by what was said.
4. Language - the means by which the thoughts and intentions of the mind are expressed in symbolic representation of words both written and spoken that are intended to be understandable for communication.
5. Application - is how an intended meaning communicated through language is employed in various and specific situations.
6. Literal - the normal everyday use of terms as understood by people of normal intelligence without secret or special keys or codes needed to achieve proper understanding.
7. Historical - understanding that the events, things and people being described in a text are to be understood in a real time and place setting. They are not subject to reinterpretation in a modern or foreign context.
8. Grammatical - all correct understanding of intended meaning in communication is dependent upon maintaining a proper foundation of sound grammatical structure. All parts of speech maintain their normal and proper place in sentence structure in order to produce intelligible and effective communication.
We will be employing the literal, "Historical - Grammatical" method of interpretation consistently as we discuss the topic at hand, Biblical Hermeneutics. A key word in our purpose clause is "consistently." This is a very important distinction that must be maintained between an actual literal approach to interpretation and a nominal "literal" approach where allegorization is employed to explain away inconvenient passages that are in conflict with ones personal dogma or theological preconceptions.
As I stated in a previous posting on Friends and Family Facebook page, this consistent literal approach is critical if we are to maintain a sound and correct understanding of what the Bible actually says and means, particularly when it comes to eschatology (last things).
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