Meaning and Authority in Interpretation

Theological/Dogmatic Summary

Meaning: In the system
Authority: Contemporary theological community
Question: Is this interpretation in keeping with sound theology?

Liberationist/Advocacy Summary

Meaning: In praxis
Authority: Praxis
Question: Does this interpretation encourage social change and brotherly love?

Existential Summary

Meaning: In our encounter with the text
Authority: Authenticity/experience
Question: What is the decision called for?

Rationalistic/Positivistic Summary

Meaning: Human reason
Authority: Science/Reason
Question: Does this make sense?

Traditional/Authoritative Summary

Meaning: In the church
Authority: Historical faith community
Question: What has everwhere, by all, been believed?

Allegorical/Spiritualistic Summary

Meaning: Beyond the text
Authority: Spirit
Question: Is there a deeper, spiritual meaning that needs to be uncovered?

Literal/Historical-Grammatical Summary

Meaning: In the text
Authority: The text (Author's Intended Meaning)
Question: What does the text say?