In Novum's first attempt to start a thread discussion, we asked about our interpretive authority structures and frameworks and why we granted authority to certain institutions and ways of viewing the world. As the discussion has gone on (and is still ongoing), the conversation concerning interpretation evolved. Eventually we found ourselves wrestling through how we determine meaning of texts, especially the biblical text. That conversation, perhaps unsurprisingly, ended up focusing on how we interpret a particular biblical text, the creation narrative(s) in Genesis. I would love for the conversation to continue in that other thread concerning the authority structures and interpretive frameworks we use to interpret the world because it is a very important discussing matters of religion, philosophy, and science. Flowing out of that conversation, this thread will focus on the meaning of the Genesis creation account(s).
So, here are a few questions to take as you will:
1. Do you interpret the Genesis creation narrative(s) as literal, allegorical, or perhaps another way? How would you define the method of interpretation as you have used it? Why do you approach the text this way?
2. When you interpret the text in the way outlined in #1, what do you take away as the main point(s) of the text?
3. Given the method of interpretation you have used, how do you understand the meaning of some of the more debated issues like the meaning of day (24 hour periods or no?), whether Adam and Eve are the first people, etc.?
Note: These questions are not after the truth of the biblical account, and therefore answering the questions does not depend on whether or not the Bible is authoritative. If you would like to discuss authority and interpretive frameworks, please join the other Novum thread. Great conversation going on over there! The questions here concern how you understand the meaning of the text, regardless of whether or not you believe that meaning to be true, reliable, or authoritative for how you view the world.
So, here are a few questions to take as you will:
1. Do you interpret the Genesis creation narrative(s) as literal, allegorical, or perhaps another way? How would you define the method of interpretation as you have used it? Why do you approach the text this way?
2. When you interpret the text in the way outlined in #1, what do you take away as the main point(s) of the text?
3. Given the method of interpretation you have used, how do you understand the meaning of some of the more debated issues like the meaning of day (24 hour periods or no?), whether Adam and Eve are the first people, etc.?
Note: These questions are not after the truth of the biblical account, and therefore answering the questions does not depend on whether or not the Bible is authoritative. If you would like to discuss authority and interpretive frameworks, please join the other Novum thread. Great conversation going on over there! The questions here concern how you understand the meaning of the text, regardless of whether or not you believe that meaning to be true, reliable, or authoritative for how you view the world.