Changes

The process consists of two main parts:

The process consists of two main parts:

*The first (referred to as [[exegesis]]) intends to discover the meaning of the text through the author's intent.  This is commonly called ''[[Historical-critical method (Higher criticism)#The literal sense of scripture|the literal sense of scripture]]'', and means that a passage should be interpreted literally unless the context clearly indicates that a symbolic meaning is intended (such as in end-times passages as found in Daniel or Revelation).  (The opposite, [[eisegesis]], intends to interpret Scripture through the reader's pre-determined viewpoints, and is to be avoided.)

*The first (referred to as [[exegesis]]) intends to discover the meaning of the text through the author's intent.  This is commonly called ''[[Historical-grammatical method (Literal hermeneutic)|the literal sense of Scripture]]'', and means that a passage should be interpreted literally unless the context clearly indicates that a symbolic meaning is intended (such as in end-times passages as found in Daniel or Revelation).  (The opposite, [[eisegesis]], intends to interpret Scripture through the reader's pre-determined viewpoints, and is to be avoided.)

*Once the meaning of a passage is discovered, then it is to be read in light of the entire Bible (and not build a doctrine or position on a single [[Cafeteria Christianity#Proof texts|proof text]]).  A common phrase used to define this is '''"Scripture interprets Scripture"'''.  The principle also holds that we should read obscure passages of Scripture in light of clear passages on a subject.

*Once the meaning of a passage is discovered, then it is to be read in light of the entire Bible (and not build a doctrine or position on a single [[Cafeteria Christianity#Proof texts|proof text]]).  A common phrase used to define this is '''"Scripture interprets Scripture"'''.  The principle also holds that we should read obscure passages of Scripture in light of clear passages on a subject.