Picturing Theology, Revised Edition

74 | Picturing Theology, Revised Edition

Lower

Lower

Lower

Higher

Higher

Higher

Higher

Higher

Level of

Criticism

Far too extensive number

Too speculative Higher No way to prove its claims

Does not correlate the Bible with other books

Strengths Weaknesses

the Bible merely a group book

Tends to make

Reflects our own opinions about

We tend to read

too much into it

from the history

Too far removed

Too far removed

the text’s meaning

from the language

mean

sources

the text

Taking the

Evolving sense of the Bible’s origin

Deep analysis of an author’s entire

Pursuing a version of the Bible in one’s own tongue and thought world

Firmer grasp of

In-depth meaning of ancient language

manuscripts available Discovering what

types of literature

historical issues of

community’s view of the Bible Seriously

Multitude of reliable

collection of writings

Ability to identify key

Mid

Mid

Mid

Mid

Low

Low

High

High

High

Level

Proof

View of the Bible

historical forces

genius

Product of textual

Product of literary

culture

Product of human

Product of human

Product of human

Product of creative

research

Product of religious

dynamic

tradition

ingenuity

Product of

Product of

personality

community

interpretation

contrasts

contrasts

best translation

Chart of Biblical Studies Rev. Dr. Don L. Davis Type of Criticism The Task in Bible Study What Is Studied Form Criticism Source

Different types of literature, background study on the books History of the Bible in ancient Israel and the early Church (councils, conventions)

Focus on different manuscripts and their families of texts

Oral traditions of the people of God, along with the early Church Comparing texts in various books to see similarities and

Comparing texts in various

books to see similarities and

Understanding of the receiving culture’s language along with

Intense study of individual books to understand the meaning of the author’s theme and views

Research of the ancient cultures, their customs, and their history

the meanings of the text for the

genre

grammar

Investigate the historical setting, culture, and background

best reading

acceptance, view and use of the text

translation based on the best manuscripts

creation of the books Study the ancient

Trace the oral traditions and earliest stories

associated with the texts Discover the written sources used in the

Determine the author, style, recipient, and

Compare the variant

Analyze the Church’s

languages, words, and

manuscripts to find the

Focus on the theology of the person who wrote it

Provide a clear, readable

Textual

Translation Studies

Literary

Criticism

Criticism

Criticism

Criticism

Criticism

Criticism

Criticism

Historical

Linguistic

Canonical

Redaction