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Scriptural exegesis is the critical interpretation and explanation of religious texts, aiming to uncover the original meaning intended by the authors and its relevance to contemporary contexts. This process involves analyzing historical, cultural, linguistic, and theological aspects to provide a comprehensive understanding of the scriptures.
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Hermeneutics is the study and methodology of interpretation, especially the interpretation of texts, language, and symbolic expressions. Originating in the context of biblical exegesis, it has expanded to encompass a wide array of disciplines including philosophy, literature, and law, focusing on understanding meaning and context.
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The historical-critical method is a scholarly approach to interpreting biblical texts by considering their historical context, authorship, and original audience. It aims to uncover the original meaning of the text by analyzing linguistic, cultural, and historical factors that influenced its creation.
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Textual criticism is the scholarly discipline that seeks to establish the original text of a document by examining and comparing the various copies and versions that have been made over time. This process involves identifying and correcting errors or alterations that may have occurred during the transmission of the text through history.
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Literary criticism is the art of evaluating and interpreting literature, providing insights into its meaning, structure, and cultural significance. It encompasses various methodologies and theoretical frameworks to analyze texts, offering diverse perspectives on literature's role in society and its impact on readers.
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Theological interpretation is an approach to reading and understanding biblical texts that emphasizes the role of faith and the church community in shaping interpretation. It seeks to bridge the gap between historical-critical methods and contemporary theological concerns by integrating doctrinal insights and spiritual practices into the exegetical process.
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Cultural contextualization involves interpreting behaviors, practices, and beliefs within the framework of a specific culture to enhance understanding and relevance. It is crucial for effective communication, education, and policy-making in multicultural environments, ensuring that interventions and messages resonate with the intended audience.
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Source criticism is the process of evaluating the reliability, credibility, and validity of information sources, particularly in historical research, to understand the context and potential biases. It involves analyzing the origin, purpose, and content of sources to construct a more accurate and nuanced understanding of historical events or narratives.
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Form Criticism is a method of biblical criticism that seeks to classify units of scripture into literary patterns and to trace each type to its period of oral transmission. It aims to uncover the original setting and purpose of each text by analyzing its genre and function within the community that produced it.
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Redaction Criticism is a method of biblical criticism that examines how the various editors (redactors) have shaped and molded the narrative to convey particular theological and ideological messages. It seeks to understand the intentions behind the inclusion, exclusion, or modification of text by analyzing the editorial choices within the context of the historical and cultural settings of the time.
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Canonical Criticism is a method of biblical interpretation that focuses on the final form of the text as it stands within the canon of Scripture, emphasizing its theological and literary coherence. It seeks to understand how the text functions within the faith community and how it has been shaped to convey enduring religious truths and values.
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Biblical theology is the discipline that seeks to understand and articulate the theological message of the Bible as a coherent whole, emphasizing the progressive unfolding of divine revelation throughout the biblical narrative. It focuses on the historical context and literary forms of the biblical texts, aiming to discern the theological themes and motifs that emerge within the canon of Scripture itself.
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The Early Church Fathers were influential theologians and leaders in the early Christian Church whose writings and teachings helped shape Christian doctrine and practice from the first to the eighth century. Their works are considered foundational for understanding the development of early Christian theology, ecclesiastical structure, and scriptural interpretation.
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Theological reflection is a process of exploring religious experiences and beliefs in light of sacred texts, traditions, and contemporary contexts to gain deeper understanding and insight. It involves critical thinking and dialogue to connect faith with lived experience, often leading to personal and communal transformation.
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The Septuagint is an ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, traditionally dated to the 3rd and 2nd centuries BCE, and is significant for its role in the dissemination of Jewish scriptures in the Hellenistic world. It holds particular importance in the Christian tradition as it was widely used by early Christians and often quoted in the New Testament, influencing the development of Christian theology and biblical interpretation.
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Religious didacticism is a literary and rhetorical approach that aims to instruct and provide moral guidance through scriptures, stories, and teachings within religious traditions. It serves to educate believers on the principles and ethical values of their faith, often blending storytelling with lessons to reinforce spiritual beliefs and practices.
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Quranic Narratives are the stories and accounts found within the Quran that are used to convey moral and spiritual lessons. They often include figures and events also found in Christian and Jewish traditions, providing a unique perspective and context that aims to guide followers in faith and ethics.
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