Biblical Exegesis, Essay Example

Biblical exegesis offers an interpretation of biblical texts in a unique manner that supports the understanding of a given idea or topic that is present in the bible. Hermeneutics provides an interpretation of a given text, particularly the bible. This process is instrumental in enabling a biblical reader to understand and interpret what is being said, while also addressing the importance of linguistic meanings of words and phrases within the bible or in other texts of historical importance. As a reader of the bible, it is necessary to evaluate what these texts mean and how they impact one’s interpretation and application of the text and its meaning in the lives of its readers. This is an important tool because it enables the reader to understand how bible stories might be impacted by the level of comprehension of the text’s meaning and value.

The use of the hermeneutical lens may assume many different forms, as there are differences in how the bible is written and interpreted, depending on the version that has been identified. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate this information in the context of its value to human beings and their own spiritual journey. However, interpreting the bible to apply it to current events may be somewhat challenging because it recognizes the ability of individuals to use dated text in order to understand current conditions in society that have shifted the tide in how human beings respond to change and acceptance in their lives. This process is particularly relevant because it recognizes the value of creating an environment to engage individuals in the art of religious acceptance for current events that were not in existence when the bible was written. This is an important step in achieving acceptance of how individuals interpret the bible in the modern era and the issues that may arise as the bible is evaluated for its significance and value in modern living. The openness and opportunity that exists in modern society is essential to the discovery of new challenges and opportunities that support and engage modern human beings with the bible in an interpretive manner to ensure that interpretation is effective in this manner.

Interpreting biblical text in modern time is a unique set of events that requires further consideration and evaluation with an open mind. Living in the 21^st Century requires this type of openness because there are significant factors to consider that impact growth and development of individuals as spiritual in nature, yet accepting of the issues and events that impact modern existence.  The interpretation of Leviticus 18:22, 20:1, 7-13, for example, requires an open mind and approach in order to fully understand the value of this text and how it impacts society and its people in different ways. When this passage was written, the acceptance of homosexuality was essentially nonexistent and was not part of mainstream living during this era. It was deemed unacceptable to be attracted to, interested in, and in pursuit of a non-heterosexual relationship during this period in history, and it limited the level of opportunity for individuals who were different to seek solace in society because their thoughts and behaviors were not acceptable on any level. This was an important reminder of the close-mindedness of history and how it had a negative impact on the people living in this era, although they did not perhaps recognize it. This is not surprising, given the simplicity of living and how there was only one type of intimacy that was acceptable during this era, that between a male and a female.

The passage from Leviticus is complex in that it is historical in context and does not represent the true ideals of the modern era. To be specific, the following text is somewhat difficult to accept in a 21^st Century society: “The man who has intercourse with a man in the same way as with a woman: they have done a hateful thing together; they will be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.” When this was written, homosexuality was deemed taboo and was unacceptable behavior under all conditions, regardless of the circumstances. However, in 21^st Century living, this is clearly not the case in many open areas of society where this practice is becoming increasingly accepted by many people as the norm. Although it remains unacceptable in many areas where conservative values are in place, it is nonetheless a topic of conversation across many circles that has an impact on society and its people. It is evident that there are many challenges associated with the development of a new perspective to facilitate outcomes for individuals, and it supports a greater understanding of the issues that are relevant in the modern era; furthermore, these activities provide a greater sense of accomplishment and focus in supporting a society that impacts growth and transformation of key principles and objectives that currently exist. These efforts encourage the development of strategies that have a positive impact on society in many ways, but at the same time, bring out many negative perspectives that are a detriment to society and that are difficult to overcome. This practice supports the creation of new opportunities to support new strategies that will have a positive impact on individuals and how they might use the bible in their own lives, even if they practice non-traditional behaviors.

For individuals who are homosexual or who support these persons, the bible should not serve as a negative reminder of this non-traditional behavior. When the bible was written, it was unlikely that any person could have predicted what would happen in future centuries and how it would impact individuals in different ways. This perspective, therefore, must be open to interpretation and must demonstrate that people living in the modern era must be accepting of different types of behaviors, as this has a positive impact on the lives of individuals in different ways. It is important to recognize these benefits and to demonstrate the value of creating a greater level of acceptance with respect to different behaviors that are common and increasingly relevant in the modern era. Biblical interpretation, therefore, must be modernized and accepted by larger numbers of people as a form of understanding how individuals respond to different events in their lives and in the lives of others.