He says" I have always seen hermeneutics in a way very much like you do. It is communications with a purpose interpreted by the listener, or by the one who overhears.I was taught that there are three things to learn from what is heard. First, what does it say; what are the words and what do they mean when they are used and connected this way? ...Second, what does it mean; what is the force of what is said? ...Third, what does this mean about the communicator and about the intended listener...."
"...It is also really hard not to add opinions while interpreting the communication, but rather to go on evidence and assume the best possible construction (but not without wisdom and experience in play). This way is godly, but awfully hard to do."
Isn't that right on target? We have had some chats and I know from experience that Pastor Moore doesn't have any trouble telling me where he is coming from.
It is hard distinguishing my opinions from what I am hearing and to avoid muddying the communication. I am not sure, though, about giving the best possible construction to the words of others. If my goal is to avoid conflict, that is probably a wise choice. If, however, I want to really understand what is being said to me, I have to recognize that what it said may well be construed very negatively. This is probably a case of being wise as serpents and mild as doves.
So, what does this say about Hermeneutics and Hermeneutists? It says that thinking and understanding can be hard work. One of the people who taught me said, "It requires clarity of purpose and consistency of effort."
Isn't that right on target? We have had some chats and I know from experience that Pastor Moore doesn't have any trouble telling me where he is coming from.
It is hard distinguishing my opinions from what I am hearing and to avoid muddying the communication. I am not sure, though, about giving the best possible construction to the words of others. If my goal is to avoid conflict, that is probably a wise choice. If, however, I want to really understand what is being said to me, I have to recognize that what it said may well be construed very negatively. This is probably a case of being wise as serpents and mild as doves.
So, what does this say about Hermeneutics and Hermeneutists? It says that thinking and understanding can be hard work. One of the people who taught me said, "It requires clarity of purpose and consistency of effort."
