17 Aug MULTIVALENCE OF SCRIPTURAL MEANINGS

1. DISCUSSION PROMPT: MULTIVALENCE OF SCRIPTURAL MEANINGS

Respond to the following statements: “Texts of Scripture do not have a single meaning limited to the intent of the original [human] author. In accord with Jewish and Christian traditions, we affirm that Scripture has multiple complex senses given by God, the author of the whole drama” (Davis and Hays 2003, 2). For example, the rabbis have God declare: “Is not my word like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces? [Jer 23:29]. As the hammer causes numerous sparks to flash forth, so is a verse of Scripture capable of many interpretations” (b. Sanh. 34a; Neusner 1994–99/2011, 16:168). Do you agree or disagree with these statements, and why? Assuming a multivalence of meaning to the biblical text, what criteria ought to be employed to help determine the way Scripture is read and interpreted by the church?

2. personal Glossary

Continue making a personal glossary to which you may refer throughout the course and in your future studies. For this session, include at least these terms in your glossary:

Anagogical Sense, of Scripture

Allegorical Sense, of Scripture

Critical Realism

Criticism, Historical (of Scripture)

Lectio Divina

Literal Sense, of Scripture

Interpretation, Christological

Interpretation, Modern (Critical) Biblical

Interpretation, Postmodern (Post-critical) Biblical

Interpretation, Premodern (Pre-critical) Biblical

Interpretation, Trinitarian

Moral Sense, of Scripture

Pardes

Poststructuralism

Quadriga

Real Presence