Examining the challenges posed by complexity in the field of Hermeneutics on the mature interpretation of the New Testament

Examining the challenges posed by complexity in the field of Hermeneutics on the mature interpretation of the New Testament

Master of Theology (Biblical Studies)

To overcome the challenge of complexity within the field of New Testament hermeneutics is to discover the influencing factors and develop a set of hermeneutical concept which can value the unity of scriptures and the Church. Mature and responsible interpretation should always focus on valuing the unity of scripture and the Church. The study reveals the field of hermeneutics to be crowded with diversity of theories and approaches that does not value the unity of the Bible and the Church. The crowded, field of hermeneutics influences interpreters to shift their focus from fulfilling God’s mission to human desires in the name of context and scientific study of scripture.

This study proposes that the vast growing diversity of methods and theories in the field of hermeneutics can be harmonized and help to control the incoming of methods and theories which are foreign to a missional approach. Efforts have been made in this study to help interpreters understand the root causes of the vast growing diversity of methods and theories. The study further proposes that the situation can be controlled by using mature and responsible interpretation, an approach that has a set of hermeneutical concepts to be used as tools. The proposed approach is not used with the aim of forming a framework. Instead, the developed set of hermeneutic concepts value the three dimensions of the text; that of an ancient nature, a literary nature, and a transformative power.

A demonstration of the developed approach will be used on two texts: one from the gospels and the other from the letters of Paul. The demonstrations are given to help contemporary preachers understand how they should use direct claims made by Jesus Christ and how they can be influenced by Paul’s approach to preaching ministry. The exegetical demonstrations are offered to assist preachers and scholars in handling different hermeneutical perspectives in order to maintain the unity of scripture and the Church.

Bannet Muwowo

Submitted to Justo Mwale University

2018

Supervisor: Dr. Dustin W. Ellington

All Right Reserved. Justo Mwale University

Physical Medium.

English

Examining the challenges posed by complexity in the field of Hermeneutics on mature interpretation of the New Testament