Theologian, Walter Brueggemann, described in his personal reflection, Biblical Authority, that in order to understand, read or discuss the bible, you must first acknowledge six facets of biblical interpretation, that he feels operates within us all. The article dives deep into each facet, intertwining them and linking them together to shed light and explain all aspects of the bibles interaction with the contemporary world and the people living in it.
Inherency is the first identified facet; Brueggemann describes Inherency in the four following ways:
1. Common commitment to the text makes every reader of the bible equal.
2. Any claims within or against the bible are open to variation and nuance.
3. There is importance in the human’s need
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Instead, its meaning and interpretation is consistently adjusting with the ever shifting culture. As long as the words are being read, interpreted, scrutinized and re-read over and over again they will remain unsolved and adaptive.
Interpretation is the second identified facet. Brueggemann explains that the readers of the bible use interpretation to give an explanation of the meaning. Additionally, he states that “interpretation is nothing more than an interpretation,” and that the human interpretation is filled with subjectivity, therefore each reader will see something different. Additionally, he also believes there is importance in the need to make meaning for the bible, as it pushes the bible from its former understanding to a fresh perspective.
Imagination is the third identified facet. Brueggemann acknowledges that the use of imagination when interpreting the bible is inevitable. He does point out that readers often transport the ancient lessons, to the present, as a form of contemporary interpretation. In other words, imagination is subconsciously used to give meaning the ancient scripture, filling the gaps in-between and creating a deeper meaning that’s more relatable to the reader. To Brueggemann, imagination is an important part of understand the
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Here, Brueggemann explains that it impossible for an interpretation of the bible to be unaffected by the “passions, convictions and perceptions of the interpreter.” He explains that neither historical criticism, high moralism or communitarian inclusivism are innocent practices because they can influence the interpretation of God’s word. He also explains that anxiety, hurt or fear can play into the advantage or disadvantage of obedience, in that the ideology will play into the readers understanding of the bible. Ultimately, Brueggemann is stating that readers must acknowledge the effect of their interpretational belief and the effect on a culture as well.
Inspiration is the fifth Identified facet. Although it is traditional to be “inspired” when reading the bible, Brueggemann emphasizes that power of inspiration by stating that, “through the text we are blown beyond ourselves” and that “the spirit teaches, guides and heals through the text.” Brueggemann believes that the bible must be recognized as an inspiring or influential text capable of leading the reader to the “strange and