An investigation into the nature of a viable pentecostal hermeneutic
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Authors
Clark, Mathew S.
Issue Date
1997-11
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Pentecostalism , Hermeneutics , Literary theory , Wesleyanism , Anabaptism , Tertullian , Early church , Positivism and history , Charismatic community , Ongoing revelation , 1 Corinthians 14 , Prophecy
Alternative Title
Abstract
Current pentecostal scholarship is attempting to articulate pentecostal theological distinctives.
For hermeneutics, this involves both a descriptive and a prescriptive approach to the use of the
Bible. The descriptive approach appraises the historical roots of pentecostalism, which include the
Wesleyan I Holiness movement, the radical Reformation, Tertullian and Montanism, and
earliest charismatic communities. These understood Christian Scripture as guidelines to a Way
of behaviour and testimony, rather than a source-book of doctrine. This 'alternative history'
experienced the Enlightenment on a different level to protestantism and fundamentalism. Many
of the concerns of historical church theology and hermeneutics during the last centuries are thus
not always shared by pentecostals. The choice is: articulate a distinctive pentecostal
hermeneutic, or 'borrow' from non-pentecostal theology.
The prescriptive approach first investigates some of the latter options: some identify closely
with conservative evangelical hermeneutics. Others prefer the political hermeneutic of the
socio-political contextual theologies. The burgeoning Faith Movement has influenced many
pentecostals. Some pentecostal scholars show interest in 'post-modern' literary theory.
A viable pentecostal hermeneutic might be prescribed as follows: It respects the demands of
scientific method, not ignoring the concerns of contemporary hermeneutical philosophy and
literary theory. It highlights specifically pentecostal concerns: the teleology of any encounter
with the text; historical continuity with the early church groups; implementation, demonstration and realisation of the literal intent of the text; the role of biblical narrative in defining
experience of God; and the authority granted ongoing revelation via the charismata in the light of the canon.
Application of a pentecostal hermeneutic would emphasise an holistic understanding of
Scripture, the crucial role of the charismatic community, awareness of issues in the ongoing
hermeneutical debate, and the need for the interpreter's personal ongoing charismatic
experience. In a distinctively pentecostal exegesis of 1 Corinthians 14 prophecy is discussed
as normal liturgical activity, as a confrontation of outsiders and unbelievers, in terms of its
regulation, and in the light of spiritual discernment
Description
Citation
Clark, Mathew S. (1997) An investigation into the nature of a viable pentecostal hermeneutic, University of South Africa, Pretoria, <http://hdl.handle.net/10500/17890>