Hermeneutics

From SgWiki

Hermeneutics can be called the Science of Interpreting the Bible. It involve various principles with regard to the meaning of the Bible. It is a word derived from ‘‘Hermes’’. It is from the Greek god Hermes in his role as patron of interpretive communication and human understanding. In Biblical Hermeneutics, the study involve the interpretative study of the Bible in its various books and especially the text within the scriptural context.

• Biblical Hermeneutics , part of the broader hermeneutical question, relates to the problem of how one is to understand Holy Scripture. By definition, this is a theological act, ie. part of the discourse of a faith-community. This does not mean that it is of no relevance to those who do not consider themselves part of that community,. It just means that it is an issue arising out of the particular needs of that community. Perhaps, it is just like the difference who is a Singaporean studying Singlish as a new neo-language culture type compare with another who is trying to understand what is Singlish in the the first place <priority> before going into further details and applications.
• Various methodologies have been developed to help the understand of texts, Parables, allegories, types, prophesies, and scriptures with cultural hidden meanings relevant to the times of the ancient peoples of that context, and so forth. It is a growing science as more and more people are trying to figure out what the Living Word <or Bible> means to them versus those who study old Bible as a "dead Book" < like learning Singlish versus speaking it in our day to day working places and our homes >.

Examples of the living study of the Bible see [[1]]

• The common types of communication norms as expressed in the Bible varies from parable on spiritual lessons as used by Jesus, to the traditional types <animals> sacrifices amd ceremonial laws carried forward to present meanings as in repentance, faith, love and so forth. For instance, Paul uses plain Greek to communicate spiritual truths as set forth in Romans whereas the Old Testament sacrificial system as a complete whole show the planning of God for the Coming of the Messiah (Daniel) and preparing the way for Messiah to come.

[edit] The Historical Principle

Louis Berkhof rightly declares that,

"the Word of God originated in a historical way, and therefore, can be understand only in the light of history"

He goes on to say it is

"impossible to understand an author and to interpret his words correctly unless he is seen against the proper historical background."

[edit] History about people

History is about people - and people live at places (geography) and in association with other people (society). These are things {material culture) and ideas (intellectual and religious culture). Some of their culture (including written records) often survives them and is studied by other people(anthropologists and archaelogoists).All these factors are true to the Hebrews and Christians of their biblical era. This information greatly enhances our understanding of the biblical authors' historical background and thus equips us to intrepret their documents.

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