Return to the models bible as source of revelation
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This document compares and contrasts five models for understanding the Bible: 1. The doctrinal model views the Bible as a source of propositional statements and inerrant doctrine. It risks discouraging interpretation. 2. The historical model considers the Bible a reliable source of sacred history or for reconstructing important faith events. It risks reducing everything to facts or myths. 3. The experiential model sees the Bible as a means of passing on revelatory experiences through evocative symbols. It risks being too individualistic. 4. The dialectical model emphasizes that the Bible witnesses to but is not itself revelation, providing access to Christ through fallible words. It risks being seen as too symbolic. 5
Return to the models bible as source of revelation
- 1. Return to the Models
- 2. DOCTRINAL MODEL PROS CONS - Propositional Statements - Bible primarily as source of doctrine (inerrant, inspired) It is right in saying that the Bible cannot be reduced to symbols or for evocative purposes only. There are truths that have to be accepted for their face value. (inerrant) Needs to be supplemented by the symbolic to provide richer reflection. Discourages interpretation
- 4. HISTORICAL MODEL PROS CONS Salvation history form Bible is considered as reliable source of sacred history Critical History approach Bible simply the best source for reconstructing events important for our faith. Both forms recognize the potential of Scriptural language as a source of revelation. In other words, God reveals himself in history through symbolic events. Revelation must be passed on to future generations through meaningful language. Tendency toward two extremes: 1. Reduction of everything to hard facts. (no interpretation) 2. Myths and symbols are more revelatory than facts. (facts can also be powerful revelatory sources)
- 6. EXPERIENTIAL MODEL PROS CONS -Bible is not a source of revealed doctrine but a means of passing on revelatory experience (as evocative literary symbols) The symbolic language of Scriptures do originate from revelatory experience. As such, they can also induce such experiences in the reader. Being too individualist and empiricist (reliant on experience) it disregards the historical and social character of revelation.
- 8. DIALECTICAL MODEL PROS CONS Prime importance on the kerygma. Bible is not a revelation in itself but a witness to revelation (Jesus Christ). It is not the revealed word (Jesus), but it provides us access to Him through fallible human words. Experience not a source but a medium for revelation. God does seemingly inverbalizes or inscripturates himself through the Bible. He continues His revelatory work through the Bible as a means of self- communication. There is a tendency to overlook this model as being too symbolic or too dependent on interpretation.
- 10. Return to the Models CONSCIOUSNESS MODEL PROS CONS - Revelation not in the Bible but in contemporary experience as illuminated by Scriptures. The Bible is a considered as a fountain of revelation that is ever-new. It speaks to all generations and to all situations. It is never static. Hermeneutics allows us to find meaning in Scriptures applicable to our present times. Hermeneutics can be applied to other forms of literature. One must first allow the Bible to establish its own framework of meaning to form, reform and transform the reader. Otherwise, there is the danger of twisting Biblical interpretation to suit ones needs.
- 12. The Bible: Document of Revelation Return to the Models Biblical symbols should be cultivated without abandoning modernity Meaning must be brought to the text (Scriptures) and tested and modified by an encounter with it