The third step in attempting to achieve an accurate interpretation of "what the Bible says" is basic and simple, but at the same time challenging in that it calls for us to pay attention to the intended audience of the writer. This dual element of complexity and simplicity make the quest for biblical understanding an exciting one.
The words of Scripture should be interpreted in their usual and ordinary sense (E. Lund, Hermeneutics. Springfield: Gospel Publishing House, n.d. p.25). What this means is that one should examine and seek to determine how the writers of Scripture made use of familiar words. The writers of Scripture were not addressing a certain caste of privileged people. Therefore, they did not seek to use language or terminology which was far and above the comprehension of ordinary people. They wrote in a way that was very intelligible to their audience. It is for that reason that we find freedom and variety in the writings of the Bible (Juan A. Carmona, The Liberation of Puerto Rico: A Theological Perspective, Rochester, New York. Colgate Rochester Divinity School, 1982. p. 33).
Please share with us your opinion as to the need to identify the intended audience and recipients of the biblical message. Does it make any difference as to whom the writings are for and being directed to?
Will or will not identifying the audience affect the way we understand the biblical message? Your input is very important in this discussion.
Grace and peace,
Dr. Juan A. Ayala-Carmona
Thank you for posting this interesting content.
ReplyDeleteAs a prior Protestant, I was led by Bible scholars to the realization of the Achilles heel of Bible interpretations: Nobody's interpretation has binding authority over other denominations unless one asserts a sense of formal authority. Once one asserts formal authority outside of textural authority, that person crosses over into Christendom and away from Christianity.