Obstacle #1: Presuppositions
We are faced with the problem of presuppositions before we even start interpretation. Presuppositions are the conscious and unconscious assumptions that we make based upon our ideas about the Bible. Presupposition colors and shades every interpretation, always. We cannot completely remove it; but, as Professional Theologists, we can be aware of our shortcomings and guard against these type of errors as much as possible.
Experience, background, and context filters must be fine-tuned. Sometimes the Holy Spirit leads us to examine other people’s ideas concerning Scripture to move us along to deeper understanding.[1] We may find these different ideas contrary to truth, or partially reflective, or different from our own. Once different ideas are understood in context with full examination of the presenter of these ideas, and with the examination of the possible presuppositions of the presenter’s goto inclinations, we can then wrestle these ideas with our own.
But, when we wrestle our interpretations with others, we must be careful to not be blown by the wind of change for acceptance sake or stand upon the fence and hold various opinions determined only by our audience. Professional Theologists must know these different presuppositions, understand the different ideas that might be formed from them, understand their own foundational and sure learning of God’s truth of the matter (if that in fact has taken place) as well as possible shortcomings and the undeveloped parts of their knowledge and understanding, and finally, bring conformance of that new idea to bear Scriptural Truth. Only when that new idea has been thoroughly processed should Professional Theologists include it into their own interpretation of Scripture.
Standing firm on sure Scripture interpretation often separates Professional Theologists from Academic Theologists, who are usually more concerned with moving scholarship forward with new ideas. Studying new ideas often separates Professional Theologists from Ministerial Theologists, who must always adhere to doctrinal positions within their denominations. Professional Theologists stand in the gap, sorting through presuppositions on all sides, to confidently declare Scriptural Truth, no matter which side that the presuppositional disagreements fall.
Footnotes
Michael S. Heiser, BI101 Lecture Introducing Biblical Interpretation: Contexts and Resources (LOGOS Bible Software), Segment #2.
Bibliography
Heiser, Michael S. BI101 Lecture Introducing Biblical Interpretation: Contexts and Resources: LOGOS Bible Software.
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.
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