Course Group: Hermeneutics

Have you ever wondered why there are so many different schools of Christian theology when all Christians affirm essentially the same Scriptures? Can it really be that hard for people to read and understand the Bible? Well, in some ways, yes.

Too often Christians read the Bible from the perspective of the modern world. They interpret its words based on their understanding of their native language, and from the perspective of their modern worldview.

But the only authoritative meaning of Scripture is the one that God and his authors intended. In order to discover this meaning, readers must learn about the Bible's authors and their original audiences. Readers must know how ancient Hebrew and Greek functioned. They must understand ancient worldviews and circumstances. And they must discover how ancient writers thought and structured arguments.

Hermeneutics is the science and art of interpretation. Responsible Christian hermeneutics receives the Bible as the infallible, inspired Word of God, and seeks to apply its original meanings to the modern world.

Course Group Goals

  • Orient viewers to the major issues, problems and resources related to the interpretation and application of the Bible.
  • Introduce viewers to the basic tools of responsible interpretation.
  • Teach viewers specific ways to apply the tools of interpretation to each distinct type of biblical literature.

Available Courses in this Group