Overview
This lecture introduces epistemology, focusing on how individuals discern truth, especially in the context of Christian theology, biblical authority, and interpretation. The discussion covers sources of authority, the pitfalls of subjective interpretation, and the essential role of community and tradition.
What is Epistemology?
- Epistemology is the study of how we come to know what is true.
- Your epistemology shapes not only what you believe but how you arrive at those beliefs.
Authority and Presuppositions in Christian Thought
- People differ in what they consider authoritative (e.g., Bible, tradition, self).
- Two main presuppositions: Bible as God's book (divinely inspired) or as a human book.
- The stance you take directs your conclusions about faith and scripture.
Biblical Authority and Its Limitations
- All authority, including the Bible’s, comes from God; the Bible is not God Himself.
- Overvaluing the Bible as an object can lead to bibliolatry (idolizing the Bible).
- Jesus (the Word) and His words (teachings) must not be separated.
Relationship Between Jesus’ Person and His Words
- Encountering Jesus occurs both through spiritual experience and engaging with His words in Scripture.
- Obeying Jesus’ teachings is essential to being His disciple.
Crisis of Authority in Modern Culture
- Modern society has shifted trust from external authorities (church, government) to the self.
- This emphasis on individual interpretation can lead to isolation and errors in understanding.
Christian Approach to Truth and Objectivity
- Christianity rejects both pure objectivity (modernism) and pure subjectivity (postmodernism).
- Truth exists outside of us (is transcendent), and is ultimately found in the person of Jesus Christ.
- We subjectively discover external truths, but these truths are finite and not infinitely interpretable.
Community, Tradition, and Biblical Interpretation
- Christianity teaches that humans are social and need community for interpreting Scripture.
- Interpretation should be done with the broader Christian community and tradition, not in isolation.
- There is one interpretation of Scripture (authorial intent) with many applications.
Structure of Authority in Christian Interpretation
- Hierarchy of authority: God > Scripture > Creeds > Patristics (early church fathers) > Exegesis (textual analysis) > Church Tradition > Reason > Local Community.
- Each “micro-authority” informs biblical interpretation and helps prevent subjective errors.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Epistemology — the study of how we know what is true.
- Bibliolatry — treating the Bible as an idol or ultimate authority over God.
- Exegesis — critical explanation or interpretation of a text, especially Scripture.
- Patristics — writings and teachings of the early church fathers.
- Empirical Transcendence — truths that exist outside oneself and can be discovered.
- Authorial Intent — the original meaning intended by the author of a biblical text.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Read and reflect on how various authorities (Scripture, tradition, community) inform your beliefs.
- Engage with commentaries and church history when interpreting the Bible.
- Continue regular Bible reading, but seek understanding in the context of Christian tradition and community.