The Imperative Of Sound Hermeneutics

One of the things I stress when I teach courses on interpretation in theology (Hermeneutics) is staying true to the known and accepted rules of interpretation. IF... you do this, you will have a better chance of staying on track in applying sound biblical exegesis.

I often become concerned when I encounter individuals that insist on maintaining a biased system of hermeneutics in order to satisfy their predetermined school of thought concerning particular doctrinal positions. What I mean by "biased" is that they knowingly violate the rules of interpretation when forming their hypothesis.

When someone tells me that they believe every word and every phrase in the Bible WITHOUT CHANGING, ADDING TO or TAKING AWAY FROM the Word of God....I do not believe them because it is not true! If I present a few words or phrases straight from the Bible they will give me a long drawn out reason as to why they must do so.

One either sticks to their original statement or they don't.

This is the very reason we need to be careful when we soundly interpret the Word of God, not because every word is not true...it is, but IN CONTEXT with the historical background, to whom it was originally written, the linguistics involved, the type of language used, (whether literal or symbolic), as well as a myriad of other issues which cast light upon the section of Scripture in question.

We all need to be careful not to become trapped within our own preconceived ideas...it will prove to come back and haunt us!

Our slogan here at Luder Wycliffe is..."Train Hard...Serve Well"

Blessings!

Dr. Jack Nelson