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Contents | Introduction | Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Conclusion | Bibliography

Summary

This dissertation attempts to understand the role of the Holy Spirit in biblical hermeneutics. The Introduction explains the background and motivation for this investigation. First, the emergence of Charismatic Hermeneutics; second, the present level of understanding within the academic community; third, the role of the church community in the hermeneutical task; and, fourth, the role of Church Tradition in hermeneutics. The first chapter reviews the literature that is available from both Pentecostal scholarship and conservative evangelical scholarship and draws attention to the breadth of understanding within these traditions. The second chapter looks at the debate between Mark Stibbe and others that arose from his book Times of Refreshing as a case study in Charismatic Hermeneutics. Lloyd Pietersen edited Mark of the Spirit? as a response to Stibbe's book. The third chapter then examines the role of Church Tradition and the Church Community in the hermeneutical task and as the context for the Spirit's activity. The work of Clark Pinnock is examined as a possible framework for further discussion. The conclusion attempts to highlight the key areas of interest and a tentative suggestion is made of another possible framework for a better understanding the Spirit's role in hermeneutics.


Contents

Introduction

Charismatic Hermeneutics

Academic Understanding

The Hermeneutical Community

Church Tradition

Conclusion

Chapter 1 - The Role of the Holy Spirit in Hermeneutics: An Overview of the Present Situation

Introduction

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Hermeneutics: A Pentecostal Perspective

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Hermeneutics: A Conservative Evangelical Perspective

Conclusion

Chapter 2 - Times of Refreshing and The Mark of the Spirit?: A Case Study of Charismatic Hermeneutics

Introduction

Times of Refreshing

The Mark of the Spirit?

A Critique of the Debate

Stibbe's Hermeneutics

The Place of Original Sense

Reading the Old Testament

The Role of the Holy Spirit

Conclusion

Chapter 3 - The Role of the Holy Spirit in Hermeneutics: Tradition and Community

The Holy Spirit, Hermeneutics and the Tradition of the Church

Protestants and Tradition

Rethinking Tradition and Hermeneutics

The Holy Spirit and Tradition

The Holy Spirit, Hermeneutics and the Community of the Church

Hermeneutics and the Individual

Hermeneutics, the Academy and -the Community

The Holy Spirit, Community and Culture

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Hermeneutics: Clark Pinnock - A Framework for Future Debate

Conclusion

Reasonable

Resonance

Relevant

Revelatory

Bibliography


Robert May is now the minister at Herne Hill Baptist Church, London, UK.

Contents | Introduction | Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Conclusion | Bibliography