Bible Interpretation, Student Workbook, SW05

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B I B L E I N T E R P R E T A T I O N

1. What is the definition of the term “genre” and how does this relate to the understanding of literature in general? Why might this definition help us understand the role of genre for biblical studies? 2. What are some of the major assumptions that undergird a valid understanding of the use of genre in biblical interpretation? Why is it so important to recognize the Bible as a book of literature, and what difference does this make in our handling of the texts, in all of its different types and kinds? 3. How do we know that God chose to use these kinds of human literary strategies to communicate his Word to us? Why should this fact encourage us to discover the rules and strategies of genres as they are included in the holy Scriptures? 4. List some of the significant forms and types of literature in the Scriptures. What kind of information do we gain from the Bible by seeing such a wide variety of literary types of material in the Bible? 5. In your assessment of the different genres of the Bible, do you think that there are some types that are more important than others, and if so, which ones are they and why? 6. How might we explain the presence of so many different genres or types of literature contained in the Bible? In what ways do the study of genres help us to better understand the various dimensions of “fundamental human experience?” 7. Someone has said that literature tells the truth by showing it forth . How does genre study help us to comprehend the truth by seeing it imaged forth in its most concrete form? 8. Why might it be important for biblical students to appreciate the artistry of the biblical authors as writers who are under the influence and leading of the Holy Spirit? How, too, does genre study reveal the richness of the mystery of God and his work in the world? 9. List out the major benefits of genre study in biblical interpretation. Of all the benefits covered in this segment, which one do you believe will motivate your own study of the Bible in the most direct way? Explain.

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