Analysis Of The Theological Implications Of Biblical Genre Discussion

Analysis Of The Theological Implications Of Biblical Genre Discussion

In his analysis of the theological implications of biblical genre, Vanhoozer suggests, “Two biblical passages may not be inerrant in exactly the same way; that is, not every biblical statement must state historical truth. Inerrancy must be construed broadly enough to encompass the truth expressed in Scripture’s poetry, romances, proverbs, parables, as well as histories” (86). He further states that “When exegetes examine the total speech act situation, it will be seen that biblical texts are often more concerned with effective communication rather than scientific precision or exactness” (95). Do you think that this understanding of inerrancy adequately asserts the truthfulness of the text? If you do, tell us why. If not, explain why not.

ORDER A PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER HERE

INSTRUCTIONS: Your Reflection Paper is to be between 500-750 words in length (about 1-2 pages) following MLA format and submitted as a Microsoft Word compatible document (.doc or .docx). If you cite source material, include a Works Cited page, but do not include the Works Cited in the total requirement for the assignment Analysis Of The Theological Implications Of Biblical Genre Discussion.

Vanhoozer

I think that this understanding of inerrancy adequately asserts the truthfulness of the Bible text. This understanding articulates the reality that the Bible is not infallible, an ideal that is often diluted and even overlooked. I particularly like that the idea of inerrancy is shifted away from poor articulation, abuses and misunderstandings, and evangelical identity towards evangelical consistency. In accepting this view, it becomes easier to accept that while the Bible is not perfect, it determines truth/right and wrong/error. For me, the distinction should be between revealed and natural theology and their perceptions of criteria for perfection and truth. In fact, inerrancy serves a deeper function in humbling readers of the Bible that they cannot be exalted before God and cannot be at ease with their current situation. God is perfect. However, the Bible is not perfect. As such, Christians must always be humble in accepting that they are flawed. In essence, inerrancy simply reveals that the Bible gives direction and is not the golden rule. Related to this, Christians should always look to inerrancy as one interpretation of faults in the Bible, and not really the only explanation. This implies that inerrancy should not be considered the only truth, and thereby stop other efforts to seek the meaning of the Biblical text. Analysis Of The Theological Implications Of Biblical Genre Discussion

In accepting the view of inerrancy as adequately asserting the truthfulness of the text, it is important to note that it bring a wealth of hermeneutical and literary skills. It must be noted that the inerrancy may also be explained by general considerations of the ways in which language and communication operate and change over time. In fact, inerrancy helps in distinguishing between literal truth and literary truth in terms of what the Bible says and what the Bible affirms. As can be pointed out in Mark 4:31 (NIV), Jesus identifies the mustard seed as the smallest of all seeds. However, this is a botanical imprecision as there are much smaller seeds than a mustard seed. Jesus assertion about the mustard seed was a literary truth and affirmation. As such, inerrancy takes us back to discerning the literal sense of distinction between true and false. Analysis Of The Theological Implications Of Biblical Genre Discussion

Besides that mentioned arguments, inerrancy also helps to explain the discrepancies noted between the Bible passages. An example is seen in Acts 9 and 22 (NIV) where there is a repetition of text but with slight variation. I belief the repetition with slight variation is intended as a rhetorical tool applied in highlighting the theme being presented and reinforcing the message. This perspective could also apply to other notable discrepancies in the Bible.

ORDER TODAY

While I agree with the inerrancy view, there are areas in which it does not offer adequate explanation. An example of this is seen in Joshua 6 (NIV) that is challenged by archeological evidence. Inerrancy seeks to explain the discrepancy as inconclusive archeological evidence does not fully explain the historical occurrences or even end up overlooking some aspects. Joshua is a historical testimony that may be perceived as an artful narrative that highlights the theological themes being presented. Achieving this requires a high degree of rhetoric and poetics, something that the book of Joshua achieves. I find that this inerrant tendency to appeal to the main theological theme is acceptable as detail should not matter if the meaning remains the same. I think that this understanding of inerrancy adequately asserts the truthfulness of the Bible text as the Bible enjoys theological and artistic freedom intended to pass on a message Analysis Of The Theological Implications Of Biblical Genre Discussion