Tag Archives: hermeneutics

Augustine on Literal and Figurative Interpretation (2)

Posted on August 12, 2014 by krhughes14

As we saw previously, Augustine’s general rule of interpretation centers on the notion of charity: if the literal level seems to lead away from the love of God and love of neighbor, an allegorical meaning must be sought. In practice, however, … Continue reading →

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Augustine on Literal and Figurative Interpretation (1)

Posted on August 8, 2014 by krhughes14

In light of my previous post (here), one very reasonable question might have come to mind: how did the Fathers determine what in Scripture was to be taken literally, versus what is to be understood figuratively? This is hardly an … Continue reading →

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My Seminary Journey

Posted on May 10, 2013 by krhughes14

I came to seminary excited to get answers; I left with far more questions than I even suspected existed. This may sound cliché, but it is nevertheless the best way to summarize my seminary journey. As I reflect on my … Continue reading →

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Sanctified Vision (2): Intensive Reading

Posted on April 17, 2013 by krhughes14

Previously, I discussed how patristic authors believed Jesus of Nazareth to be the interpretive key for understanding all of Scripture. Now, turning to chapter 3 of O’Keefe & Reno’s Sanctified Vision, we consider the first of three major methods of reading … Continue reading →

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Sanctified Vision (1): Christ is the End of Scripture

Posted on April 12, 2013 by krhughes14

This week in class, I was told in no uncertain terms that when teaching and preaching from the OT, it is invalid to read in NT theology. Though this is not necessarily an uncommon thing to hear in these parts, I … Continue reading →

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Making Peace with the Bible

Posted on February 7, 2013 by krhughes14

Ever been concerned about inconsistencies or discrepancies in the Bible? I’ve recently come across a memorable quotation from Cyril of Alexandria (c. 376-444). Interesting how he connects the ethic of the Sermon on the Mount to the hermeneutics of biblical … Continue reading →

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In Layman’s Terms: Wirkungsgeschichte (1)

Posted on January 25, 2013 by krhughes14

Yes, it’s German, but what is is? It’s an idea worth being familiar with because some biblical scholars believe that the study of Wirkungsgeschichte is the future of NT studies. At the least, increased attention to Wirkungsgeschichte has significant potential for the way … Continue reading →

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Faith, History and Certainty

Posted on January 14, 2013 by krhughes14

What is the relationship between faith and historical certainty? In the conclusion of my thesis (on N. T. Wright’s historical method), I highlight a quotation from Beth M. Sheppard on this relationship. As Sheppard writes, “it is easy for historicism as … Continue reading →

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Textual Temptation

Posted on January 4, 2013 by krhughes14

We all want to be “objective” readers of the Bible, yes? But if postmodernism has one distinct advantage over modernism, it is its recognition that an “objective” reading is in reality impossible, because we all come to the text with … Continue reading →

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Pauline Hermeneutics (Part 2): Enter Cicero!

Posted on January 2, 2013 by krhughes14

Cicero is always a helpful ally in any argument. And in chapter 2 of her book, Mitchell grounds her argument in the standard techniques of ancient rhetoricians like Cicero. The primary text in question is 1 Cor 5:9-11, which Mitchell … Continue reading →

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