Why study hermeneutics?

 


Though the Bible was written for us, it was not written directly to us. What that means is, we study the Bible as readers once removed from the original audience. We must first understand what it meant to the original hearers (to whom it was written) before we can apply it to ourselves. Each book of the Bible has dual authorship -- the human author who wrote a message at a particular time and place, and the divine Author, God, who gives a message for all times and places. 

When we read God's word we will be faced with questions like, what does this word or phrase mean? Is it literal or a figure of speech? Is this practice a cultural thing or meant to be universal? Is this teaching only for then, or for all time? The principles of interpretation, called hermeneutics, help us know how to correctly understand and apply the Scriptures. We want to know what it meant to the people at that time, what it means for all time, and from that, what it means for us today.

Jim Krouscas will be teaching our class, "Bible Study Methods and Hermeneutics".  He'll begin with methods of Bible study to help you grow in skills of observation. You'll learn how to determine word meanings, understand context, identify literary structure, gain insight from history and culture, and find cross-references within the Bible itself.  Lastly, he will guide you in how to prepare a message or lesson based upon what you have studied in the Bible. This would be most helpful for those of you who are asked to give a message, teach Sunday school, or lead small group Bible studies.

Why not join us for this class? Or join one of the other classes we are offering this fall. Click in the upper left of the home page to preregister and let us know of your interest. Thanks!

Sandy

Image credit: photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash.  

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