Changes

The first half of the process of hermeneutics is referred to as [[exegesis]]. The goal of exegesis is to discover the meaning of the text through the author's intent, called ''[[Historical-critical method (Higher criticism)#The literal sense of scripture|the literal sense of scripture]]''. Once the meaning is discovered, then the principles are applied. This application of the principles is the second half of the process of hermeneutics, referred to as contextualization, reading scripture within the context of the whole.

The first half of the process of hermeneutics is referred to as [[exegesis]]. The goal of exegesis is to discover the meaning of the text through the author's intent, called ''[[Historical-critical method (Higher criticism)#The literal sense of scripture|the literal sense of scripture]]''. Once the meaning is discovered, then the principles are applied. This application of the principles is the second half of the process of hermeneutics, referred to as contextualization, reading scripture within the context of the whole.

One principle of hermeneutics often practiced among [[Evangelical]] [[Christians]] is '''"Scripture interprets Scripture,"''' which is the principle that we should read any passage of the [[Bible]] in light of the entire Bible and not build a doctrine or position on a single [[Cafeteria Christianity#Proof texts|proof text]].  The principle also holds that we should read obscure passages of Scripture in light of clear passages. This is a principle of the early church fathers. [[Orthodox Church|Orthodox]] and [[Catholic Church|Catholic]] hermeneutics likewise holds as the primary hermeneutical principle that obscure passages of Scripture must be read in light of clear passages as being from the one mind of one Divine Author (the [[Holy Spirit]] of [[God]]) interpreted infallibly by the same Author guiding the [[Magisterium]]<ref>[http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%2014:15-16&version=KJV John 14:15-16], [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%2014:25-26&version=KJV 25-26]; [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%2016:7-15&version=KJV 16:7-15]</ref> to [[Discernment|discern]] and gradually unfold ever more and more clearly the inexhaustible depths of its profoundly deeper meaning and application to the life of the whole church in accordance with [[Tradition|Apostolic Tradition]] (see [[Apostolic succession]]).

One principle of hermeneutics often practiced among [[Evangelical]] [[Christians]] is '''"Scripture interprets Scripture,"''' which is the principle that we should read any passage of the [[Bible]] in light of the entire Bible and not build a doctrine or position on a single [[Cafeteria Christianity#Proof texts|proof text]].  The principle also holds that we should read obscure passages of Scripture in light of clear passages. This is a principle of the early church fathers. [[Orthodox Church|Orthodox]] and [[Catholic Church|Catholic]] hermeneutics likewise holds as the primary hermeneutical principle that obscure passages of Scripture must be read in light of clear passages as being from the one mind of one Divine Author (the [[Holy Spirit]] of [[God]]) interpreted infallibly by the same Author guiding the [[Magisterium]]<ref>[http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%2014:15-16&version=KJV John 14:15-16], [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%2014:25-26&version=KJV 25-26]; [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%2016:7-15&version=KJV 16:7-15]. <br>Compare [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2peter%201:19-21&version=KJV 2 Peter 1:19-21]; [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2peter%203:15-18&version=KJV 3:15-18]; [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ephesians%203:9-12&version=KJV Ephesians 3:9-12]; [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1timothy%203:14-15&version=KJV 1 Timothy 3:14-15]; [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2timothy%203:12-17&version=KJV 2 Timothy 3:12-17]; [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=hebrews%2013:17&version=KJV Hebrews 13:17]; [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2018:15-20&version=KJV Matthew 18:15-20]; [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans%2013:1-3&version=KJV Romans 13:1-3]; [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=revelation%2022:18-19&version=KJV Revelation 22:18-19].</ref> to [[Discernment|discern]] and gradually unfold ever more and more clearly the inexhaustible depths of its profoundly deeper meaning and application to the life of the whole church in accordance with [[Tradition|Apostolic Tradition]] (see [[Apostolic succession]]).

==See also==

==See also==

*[[Sola scriptura]]

*[[Sola scriptura]]

*[[Harmony of the Gospel (Conservative Version)]]

*[[Harmony of the Gospel (Conservative Version)]]

*[[Revelation, Book of (historical exegesis)]]

*[[Revelation, Book of (historical exegesis)]]

== External links ==

== External links ==

* [http://www.theologue.org/HERMENEUTICS-DMERKEL.html Hermeneutics - A Guide To Basic Bible Interpretation, By Darryl M. Erkel]

* [http://www.theologue.org/HERMENEUTICS-DMERKEL.html Hermeneutics - A Guide To Basic Bible Interpretation, By Darryl M. Erkel]

{{Christian Theology}}

{{Christian Theology}}