Who Should Teach Biblical Hermeneutics?

Shouldn’t biblical hermeneutics be taught by a preaching professor?    My Ph.D. is in Preaching. This means that I have been “trained” to the maximum in homiletics, human communication theory, the history of preaching, and hermeneutics (biblical interpretation). I have read enumerable books and journal articles related to preaching, public speaking, audience analysis, sermon development, and sermon delivery. I have taught countless courses in expository preaching, sermon delivery, and Christian rhetoric. Each of these courses carries with it an element of hermeneutics. But interestingly I have only been asked to teach hermeneutics a handful of times. Mind you, I am not complaining. I am merely making an observation.

Many times over the years my students have asked me, “Dr. Guthrie, why don’t you teach hermeneutics courses?” I am never surprised at the expressions on their faces when I tell them why. I tell them, “It’s because hermeneutics is considered a theology course and I don’t hold a degree in theology.” Students are almost always amazed to hear that. They see hermeneutics as such a major aspect of sermon preparation that it is hard for them to phathom why a preaching professor would not teach the course. They struggle with seeing the theological aspect of the discipline of biblical interpretation.

So, I wanted to share a post in which I attempt to clarify the issue for my students and whoever else may be interested.

Personally I believe that biblical interpretation (hermeneutics) should be taught by two professors; one a theology professor and the other a preaching professor. The course should be divided into two components: (1) theological hermeneutics and (2) homiletical hermeneutics.

Every student of the Bible should desire to know and understand its author; God Himself. The word theology simply means “the study of God.” The goal of theology is to learn as much about God as possible. Theologians want to know about God’s attributes, His nature, His love, His actions, His personality, His plan for mankind, His will, His ways, and so much more. Theologians strive to know and understand biblical doctrine so they can teach God’s followers (Christians) how to live in righteousness.

Obviously, a biblical theologian regards the Bible as the necessary basis for theology.  … Theology offers the church a secure understanding of herself and how she fits into God’s overall purpses in history and eternity. (Introduction to Biblical Interpretation ~ Klein, Blomberg, Hubbard, 382)

None of the things mentioned in the paragraphs above are possible without skill in interpreting the books of the Bible. Therefore, hermeneutical techniques are employed in order to fully grasp the aspects and attributes of God. Theologians look within the Scriptures for the absolute (non-debatable) truths about God. They study the language, words, and syntax of the Bible in an attempt to understand all they can about the Lord. Theologians also study sin and redemption as it relates to God’s holiness and His loving plan for mankind. Obviously theologians need to possess the skills necessary to discover and understand the attributes of God.

Hermeneutics classes (Part 1) should indeed be taught by qualified professors of theology. The course Hermeneutics 1 should be listed in the seminary catalog as a theological course. Students should indeed be taught to see the attributes and purposes of God within the Bible through a thorough and scholarly approach to biblical hermeneutics.

I always tell my students that preachers help to make sense of what theologians say and teach. After all, utlimately it is the members of the church who have to apply biblical truth to their lives. Preachers and Bible teachers have the responsibility of explaining the aspects of theological truth in understandable and meaningful ways. Preachers must know how to look deep within selected scripture passages and draw from them the intent and meaning of the original author.

A Bible expositor is a pathfinder of trails that people need to follow but sometimes miss. For the sake of others he serves as a prospector who pans for gold in the streams of living water, the Word. (Rediscovering Expository Preaching, John MacArthur, Jr. and The Master’s Seminary Faculty, 1992, pg. 120)

Without disrespect to my theology professor friends there is a tendency of some theologians to teach above the understanding of the average listener. Some theological concepts are simply over the heads of many within the congregation. Homileticians (preachers) bring the functional elements of application and illustration to the discussion of theological concepts therefore shedding additional andmeaningful light on the truths of the Bible.

Hermeneutics 2 would be an excellent additional to the seminary catalog. This course would emphasize reading and interpreting the Bible for the purpose fo preaching and/or teaching the truths of the Bible to the contemporary culture.

I trust this post has been insightful.

Tony Guthrie, PhD.