Below is from Jay Gallimore, President of the Michigan Conference, defending the Biblical Interpretation Methods of the Church against a newer “principle–based-historical-cultural” hermeneutic, that has been creeping into the universities & undermining Biblical teachings.
".......a “principle–based-historical-cultural” hermeneutic.
I had not heard of this hermeneutic before and was curious as to what it meant. This is the definition I discovered:
Historically, Adventists have promoted that we should “seek to grasp the simple, most obvious meaning of the biblical passage being studied” in its context. We have also been positive that “the Bible transcends its cultural backgrounds to serve as God’s word for all cultural, racial, and situational contexts in all ages.” We have insisted that methods of Bible study must arise from the Bible itself.
Because the Bible has a Divine Author, there will be mysteries. When confronted with puzzling matters, we have urged “search-ing the Scriptures” by comparing text with text in their context until the meaning becomes clear. The Divine message is simple and deep as well as clear and profound. So only the Bible can teach us how to study the Bible.
Ellen White gives a great overview of “methods of Bible study.” You will find them in the Great Controversy, pp. 563 – 602 in the chapter, “The Scriptures a Safeguard.” For sake of space, I have attempted to summarize her support of the Scripture’s own hermeneutics in my words.
Distorting truth with culture is a popular hermeneutic in some denominations. It is often called the “historical-critical” method. And it opened the door for them to embrace such teachings as evolution and homosexuality! No wonder the GC document firmly rejected this by saying, “Even a modified use of this method that retains the principle of criticism which subordinates the Bible to human reason is unacceptable to Adventists". AdVindicate
When it comes to the newer hermeneutics of a principle–based-historical-cultural type, we should remember what the Scripture says....
".......a “principle–based-historical-cultural” hermeneutic.
I had not heard of this hermeneutic before and was curious as to what it meant. This is the definition I discovered:
"the Bible is seen as “contaminated by the social, cultural, historical, and language” of the prophet. So while the Scripture contains the truth, it needs an interpreter to distinguish between the divine principle and the prophet’s “baggage.”
Therefore “a plain reading of Scripture could be misleading”
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| Gallimore defending the Scriptures |
Because the Bible has a Divine Author, there will be mysteries. When confronted with puzzling matters, we have urged “search-ing the Scriptures” by comparing text with text in their context until the meaning becomes clear. The Divine message is simple and deep as well as clear and profound. So only the Bible can teach us how to study the Bible.
Ellen White gives a great overview of “methods of Bible study.” You will find them in the Great Controversy, pp. 563 – 602 in the chapter, “The Scriptures a Safeguard.” For sake of space, I have attempted to summarize her support of the Scripture’s own hermeneutics in my words.
1) The Scriptures are the inspired word of God.
2) Bible truth can be discovered by the earnest seeker. It is unchangeable and inseparable from the glory of God. God cannot be honored with error.
3) We should approach the Bible as a humble learner not a judge.
4) The Bible is its own interpreter and should be studied diligently by comparing scripture with scripture and taking into account the context.
5) It is a false doctrine that teaches that the language of the text is mystical and secret and that its meaning is not apparent.
6) The language of the Bible should be explained according to its obvious meaning, unless a symbol or figure is used.
7) Prayer for the Holy Spirit should always precede the study of the Bible.
8) We should meditate on Bible texts as a safeguard against temptation.
9) Understanding the Bible depends on our willingness to obey it.
10) The theme of the Messiah underlies all Scripture.
Distorting truth with culture is a popular hermeneutic in some denominations. It is often called the “historical-critical” method. And it opened the door for them to embrace such teachings as evolution and homosexuality! No wonder the GC document firmly rejected this by saying, “Even a modified use of this method that retains the principle of criticism which subordinates the Bible to human reason is unacceptable to Adventists". AdVindicate
When it comes to the newer hermeneutics of a principle–based-historical-cultural type, we should remember what the Scripture says....
But shun profane and vain babblings:
for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
2 Timothy 2:16