Stein's First Topic: What determines biblical truth?
3 Options:
1. The text.
This view requires we do not take into consideration the author's intent or the reader's perspective. Problem: The text itself is an inanimate object. It can only convey meaning. The production of meaning can only come from the author or the reader.
2. The reader: "Reception Theory."
This hypothesis categorizes the text not as an independent source of truth or intended piece of communication by an author, but as a subjectively defined work of art. Problem: There could be as many "interpretations" as there are readers. (Personally I note that some of these views would undoubtedly contradict each other, nullifying both the entire purpose of the writing as well as the principle of singular perfect truth).
3. The author.
This approach presupposes original intent of the author yet allows for reader insights as they relate to personal or contemporary applications and implications. It also denies any literal, cemented and timeless meaning(s) of the text exclusive of that which the author intended.
His Answer:
We cannot argue against #3 without at the same time agreeing with it, because we must seek to understand what writers mean by their words in order to engage in discussion with them. In your attempt to understand this paragraph you are seeking to understand what I wanted to communicate by it.
My Thoughts:
-First, "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work," (2 Timothy 3: 16-17). God is the Author and He created and declared the purpose of our reading. Second, Jesus is the "Author and Perfecter of our faith," (Hebrews 12: 2). Without Jesus there would never have been any literary work, including the Bible. There would have been no creation at all. Finally, "The Preacher sought to find delightful words and to write words of truth correctly. The words of wise men are like goads, and masters of these collections are like well-driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd," (Ecclesiastes 12: 10-11). Many, dare I say all, people have tried to find meaning outside of God, including Solomon, the author of Ecclesiastes. Uh, he...as has been everyone else on that path...was unsuccessful.
-First, "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work," (2 Timothy 3: 16-17). God is the Author and He created and declared the purpose of our reading. Second, Jesus is the "Author and Perfecter of our faith," (Hebrews 12: 2). Without Jesus there would never have been any literary work, including the Bible. There would have been no creation at all. Finally, "The Preacher sought to find delightful words and to write words of truth correctly. The words of wise men are like goads, and masters of these collections are like well-driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd," (Ecclesiastes 12: 10-11). Many, dare I say all, people have tried to find meaning outside of God, including Solomon, the author of Ecclesiastes. Uh, he...as has been everyone else on that path...was unsuccessful.
Stein's 2nd Topic: Key Terms for Interpretation
Meaning:
-The author's intended message.
Implication:
-Additional and possibly unintended applications of the author's message in congruence with his/her original meaning.
Significance:
-The reader's individual response to the meaning of the author's message.
Subject Matter:
-Tacit information in the writings which the author may or may not have included to support his/her intended message.
Understanding:
-The reader's correct mental grasp of the author's message.
Interpretation:
-The application of the author's meaning through the reader's unique perspective and position.
Mental Acts:
-Thoughts of the author which may or may not be reflected in his/her intended message/meaning.
Norms of Language:
-Standards of vocabulary that author's adhere to given their desire to communicate meaning in a shareable and understandable way.
Literary Genre:
-A specific and unique style of writing, allowing for different writing structures, formats, etc.
Context:
-Information relating to the message which assists in discerning the author's meaning.
His Clarifications:
1. An author can "mean" something concerning things he knew nothing about, by writing a message wherein the text has unknown yet congruent future implications within his original "pattern of meaning."
Specific willed meaning is the intended message from the author. An implication is a logical application of the meaning.
2. There can be many interpretations. There is only 1 correct understanding.
3. The Gospels focus on meaning. When Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount, he was on a mountain side. That, however, is essentially inconsequential, as the message regarding who was blessed and what they shall receive is the meaning of Matthew's writing.
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