Hermeneutics 2: Literary Genre

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Do curso por University of Alberta

Science & Religion 101

29 classificações

University of Alberta

Science & Religion 101

29 classificações

This course examines the nature of both science and religion and attempts to explore the possible relationships between them. The primary purpose is to dispel the popular myth that science and religion are entrenched in a never-ending conflict. As a result, this course argues that if the limits of both science and religion are respected, then their relationship can be complementary. Topics include: Science and Religion Categories and Foundational Principles, Definitions of Science and Religion, Science-Religion Models and Relationships, Intelligent Design and Natural Revelation, the Galileo Affair, Geology and Noah’s Flood, Evolution and Darwin’s Religious Beliefs, the Modern “Evolution” vs. “Creation” Debate, the Problem of Evil, and Interpretations of the Biblical Accounts of Origins in Genesis 1-11. The course employs a Constructive Teaching Style in order that students can develop their personal views on the relationship between science and religion and on each of the topics listed above. St. Joseph's College is a Catholic, undergraduate, liberal arts college on the University of Alberta campus. It is an independent institution that is affiliated with the University of Alberta.

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What Is Religion?

This is a course on the relationship between Science and Religion, and in order to develop a relationship between them we first need to define them. Five different definitions of religion from various academic schools are presented, including those from religious studies, psychology, and philosophy. Notably, the academic definition of religion is wide and quite inclusive. In light of this information, we then outline the academic understanding of the Doctrine of Creation. During this week, we begin to examine specific Hermeneutical Principles. The Principle of Accommodation is the most important interpretive principle in Science and Religion allowing individuals to move away from scientific concordism and the notion that religious texts like the Bible offer scientific facts.

Episode 29: Key Thoughts: Statistics on Religious Belief5:17

Episode 30: Statistics on Religious Belief (Continued)4:18

Episode 31: Religious Studies Definition of Religion5:15

Episode 32: Religious Studies Definition of Religion (Continued)4:45

Episode 33: Conclusion: Religious Studies Definition of Religion4:41

Episode 34: Psychological Definition of Religion I4:35

Episode 35: Psychological Definition of Religion II5:16

Episode 36: Conclusion: Psychological Definitions of Religion I & II5:43

Episode 37: Philosophical Definition of Religion I3:47

Episode 38: Excursus: Criticisms of Philosophical Approaches to Religion4:42

Episode 39: Philosophical Definition of Religion II4:46

Episode 40: Types of Religions4:51

Episode 41: Excursus: Doctrine of Creation5:09

Episode 42: Conclusion: What is Religion?4:28

Episode 43: Conclusion: What is Religion? (Continued)4:20

Episode 44: Toward a Working Definition of Religion (Lamoureux)6:24

Hermeneutics 1: Literalism5:06

Hermeneutics 2: Literary Genre3:42

Hermeneutics 3: Accommodation8:00

Hermeneutics 4: Textual Criticism4:25

Conheça os instrutores

Denis Lamoureux
Associate Professor
St. Joseph's College

Hermeneutical Principle Number Two: Literary Genre.

Literary genre refers simply to the type of literature.

For example, in the Bible,

there are many different literary genres, like poetry, narrative,

parable, allegory, history, letters, proverbs,

laws, sermons, hymns, prophecies, etc.

Though the Bible is between two covers,

it's important to emphasize that the Bible is like an anthology.

It has roughly 50 authors and was written over roughly 1500 years.

With this being the case,

we should expect many different types of literature.

Consequently, we will need to apply

different hermeneutical principles to

understand each of these different pieces of literature.

Let's return to this passage by Jesus,

dealing with lust and tearing out eyeballs.

It's found in the Sermon on the Mount,

in Matthew 5 verses 21 to 43.

And we need to ask the question,

what type of literature is this?

This literary unit, Matthew 5,

has similar passages where Jesus says in verse 30,

"If your right hand causes you to sin,

cut it off and throw it away."

Are churches filled with handless Christians?

Jesus also states in verse 38,

"Do not resist the evil person.

If someone strikes you on the right cheek,

turn him the other."

Is this verse against protecting ourselves?

Here are some features of this type of literature in Matthew 5.

Clearly, there's hyperbole and it uses exaggeration.

Therefore, do not interpret these passages literally.

This literature is also dialectical.

This term comes from the Greek,

"dia" meaning between, and "lego" is the verb to talk.

Dialectical literature continually talks to us and challenges us.

For example, Jesus telling us to cut off our hands if we sin,

is a very effective literary technique

that certainly challenges us regarding our behavior.

And as a Christian I would add, that God's Spirit works

through these hyperboles to speak directly to us.

To conclude, literary genre dictates

interpretation, and I want to emphasize the word dictates.

If we make a mistake in identifying the literary genre of a passage,

we will also make a mistake in interpreting the passage.

Therefore, the identification of the literary genre is one of

the first and most important decisions in hermeneutics.

The challenge for us today is to identify ancient literary genres,

and some of these will seem unusual because we don't use them today.

With regards to Genesis 1-11,

here is one of the toughest questions that theologians face.

What is the literary genre of Genesis 1-11?

For example, take the Garden of Eden account in Genesis 3.

There is a fast-talking snake, and there are mystical trees.

One imparts eternal life,

and the other imparts knowledge of good and evil.

What is the literary genre of Genesis 3?

Is it history?

Is it allegory?

Or is Genesis 3 nothing but a fairy tale?

End of episode.

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