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Social Rhetorical

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Submitted By redapples
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Greg,

Many threads are interwoven together in a text to produce multiple textures that together provides a rich three-dimensional understanding of the meaning and impact of the text. (DeSeliva, 2004) In studying the text or words it’s clear that inner texture, intertexture, and ideological texture are used to provide the interpreter with a clear understanding of the author’s original words and meaning.

In 1999, Robbins wrote a research paper on “ Social-Rhetorical Interpretation from its Beginnings to the Present”. (Robbins, 1999) In his paper, he states, “social–rhetorical interpretation began with analysis and interpretation of social and cultural dynamics in written works”. Robbins pointed out several essay and books that were written by him and other authors. These works described social-rhetorical interpretations that were used to show how the multi-textural approach brings insights of various modes of interpretation into practices.

In viewing this from a global perspective, in 2001 at a conference hosted in South Africa. Ted Hiebert, professor of Old Testament at McComick Seminary, presented an interpretation of Genesis 11(“ The Tower of Babel”) that affirms God’s will for cultural diversity on the earth. However, several of the South African scholars attending the conference interpreted the scripture different than the professor. The derive factor was they believed that Genesis teaches that God does not want different cultural and linguistic groups to live together. Although there were two interpretations of this scripture, there were many similarities in the overall interpretation of the scripture. Hiebert concluded that interpreter’s cultural context (American concern for diversity; South African concern for unity) is crucial in making interpretive judgment.

Should global leaders have a “social knowledge” of a region or culture before leading through the use of scripture? Based upon the research presented the answer should be yes.

Bibliography

Robbins, Vernon. Exploring the Texture of Texts. Harrisburg: Trinity Press International.(1996)
Desilva, David A. An Introduction to the New Testament: Contexts, Methods & Ministry Formation. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, (2004)
Robbins, Vernon, Socio-Rhetorical Interpretation from its Beginnings to the Present. Emory University. (1999)
Lapsley, Jacqueline, “Am I able to Say Just Anything?” Learning Faithful Exegesis from Balaam. Princeton Theological Seminary. (2005)

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