Hermeneutics

Consultants must be able to critically examine their own and other people’s hermeneutical and theological assumptions, and model humility and integrity in every situation, including complex multiconfessional and/or multi-religious environments

Here are some resource suggestions to help your mentees grow in their hermeneutics skills:

1. MAP series on hermeneutics

Look through the series of posts on MAP related to hermeneutics, theology and Bible translation.

Tip: As you look through the links and articles, think about examples where your own theological background might shape the recommendations you make for translation problems

2. Books

These are some recommended books to help you think about hermeneutics and theology, and their impact on translation:

Introductions to hermeneutics:

  • Brown, Jeannine K. Scripture as Communication: Introducing Biblical Hermeneutics. 2nd edition. Baker Academic, 2021.
  • Kaiser, Walter C. Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics: The Search for Meaning. Zondervan Academic, 2009.
  • Tate, W. Randolph. Biblical Interpretation: An Integrated Approach. 3rd ed. edition. Baker Academic, 2008.

Other books connected to hermeneutics and theology:

  • James, Richard, and E. Randolph Richards. Misreading Scripture with Individualist Eyes: Patronage, Honor, and Shame in the Biblical World. InterVarsity Press, 2020.
  • Richards, E. Randolph, and Brandon J. O’Brien. Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes: Removing Cultural Blinders to Better Understand the Bible. InterVarsity Press, 2012.

3. Podcasts

There are several podcasts focused on biblical interpretation. The list below suggests a number of different podcasts recommended by people from different theological backgrounds.

  • The Bible for Normal People hosted by Pete Enns and Jared Byas, aiming to bring the best in biblical scholarship to everyday people, and emphasizing values of curiosity, playfulness and accessibility.

Tip: Listen to a few examples from these different podcasts. Which do you find most helpful? Do some of them challenge your previous assumptions about the Bible and how it should be interpreted? Would some of them be challenging for stakeholders you are working with?

Further resources that might interest you

  • Do you know of a good resource that should be listed here? Please let us know.
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