It is very important to understand this next obstacle to correct flawed interpretation of Scripture that is seen through historical attempts towards interpretation. As Dr. Heiser points out, this obstacle of “precedent” stands upon itself; it does not necessarily reflect the first six obstacles that we have already studied [1]. The history of interpretation has shown methodological differences; these different techniques were often passed down through generations as the acceptable method for conducting interpretations of Scripture.
According to Dr. Heister, those living in the Hellenistic period as a trained, Jewish scholar there would have been an established way to approach the Bible [2]. There were contextual differences between the different groups, such as the different ways that the Qumran Jews approached Bible interpretation. New Testament authors did things with their texts that according to Dr. Heister, would be frowned upon today [3].
Modern-day Theologists are trained to interpret Scripture through the “grammatical-historical method” [4]. Church Fathers reveal in their commentaries that they did not approach Scripture interpretation the way modern-day interpreters do. According to Dr. Heister, there is some evidence that modern-day seminary teachings on the grammatical-historical method would be analyzed as incorrect methodology by Christian leaders in earlier times [5].
We did not come to the grammatical-historical method by happenstance; it took 2000 years of interpretation efforts by all of the great Christian leaders, Church fathers, and even Scripture writers; the Church Councils and the divisions of belief that separated denominations were leading changers of different methods. Professional Theologists will learn the grammatical-historical method throughout their training with Becker Professional Theologists training, because that is the method that produces reliable results with caution and stopper points within the process that prevents unrepresented interpretive journeys.
But, Professional Theologists will be trained in another method of interpretation that has been popular in the past but a method that was used very wrongly by spiritualists such as Swedenborg and offshoots from his movement. There is a way to interpret Scripture, first by the grammatical-historical method, and then through the typological method that must conform to the first method results but expand understanding of deeper Scripture and God’s mysteries. This additional method, when done with the restrictions put into place by rigid proofs and positive Scriptural support, elevates the possibilities of learning the deeper things of God as long as the Holy Spirit is in place in the process. As lessons proceed, higher level trainings in this typological method will be taught, as will all subjects, in bits and pieces at first, with larger focus upon techniques as studies to develop Professional Theologists advances to higher levels of learning. This tiny bit of learning today, starts that foundational development of typological methodology that will one day help you see the face of God in a way you never knew possible before. Looking forward to the journey with you!
Bibliography
Heiser, Michael S. BI101 Lecture Introducing Biblical Interpretation: Contexts and Resources: LOGOS Bible Software.
Footnotes
[1] Michael S. Heiser, BI101 Lecture Introducing Biblical Interpretation: Contexts and Resources (LOGOS Bible Software), 1:00.
[2] Ibid., 1:25.
[3] Ibid., 1:42.
[4] Ibid., 1:48.
[5] Ibid., 2:29.
Links
About the Author
Kathy L. McFarland is President and Founder of Becker Bible Ministries, Inc. and the Becker Professional Theology Academy. She is also a Becker Bible Studies Teacher and author of Guided Bible Studies for Hungry Christians. She has received her Bachelor of Science degree in Religious Studies from Liberty University, is on track for the Master of Divinity (Professional Ministries Track) degree from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary & Graduate School in 2016 and will be seeking a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Theology and Apologetics beginning in the fall of 2016. She is the originator of the newest theological movement to encourage Christian leaders to minister within the modern-day marketplace as Professional Theologists. She is also the Curriculum Developer for Becker Professional Theology Academy and a teaching faculty member. Kathy's favorite studies to teach include the connections between Old Testament exegesis, Christian Apologetics, and Bible typology and mysteries.
©2014-2015 Kathy L. McFarland. All Rights Reserved.