Biblical Interpretation: How Should We Read the Bible?

This thread is for discussions about how we as Christians should read the Bible.

What methods and perspectives are good for understanding the Bible?
Are there methods that are better than others?
Are some methods intrinsically faulty or inappropriate for Biblical application?
What if any are the dangers and pitfalls of particular methods?

These questions are intended to generate conversation, not to limit the conversation.


Here are some working definitions:

Form Criticism is a method of biblical criticism that classifies units of scripture by literary pattern (such as parables or legends) and that attempts to trace each type to its period of oral transmission.[1] Form criticism seeks to determine a unit's original form and the historical context of the literary tradition (Wikipedia)


Rhetorical criticism is an approach to criticism that is at least as old as Plato. In the Phaedrus, Plato has Socrates examine a speech by Lysias to determine whether or not it is praiseworthy. Rhetorical criticism analyzes symbolic artifacts (including words, phrases, images, gestures, performances, texts, films, and "discourse" in general) to discover how, and how well, they work: how they instruct, inform, entertain, move, arouse, perform, convince and, in general, persuade their audience, including whether and how they might improve their audience. In short, rhetorical criticism seeks to understand how symbols act on people. (Wikipedia)


Systematic theology is a discipline of Christian theology that attempts to formulate an orderly, rational, and coherent account of the Christian faith and beliefs. Systematic theology draws on the foundational sacred texts of Christianity, while simultaneously investigating the development of Christian doctrine over the course of history, particularly through philosophy, science and ethics. Inherent to a system of theological thought is that a method is developed, one which can be applied both broadly and particularly.


These are the types of things up for discussion, in conjunction with scripture.

Mike Kirby's picture

prima scriptura

NTC said,

Prima Scriptura - give the bible primacy in all decisions.

Mike says,

Thank you for that expression of "prima scriptura".

I think that that is what closely describes my understanding and although I have never verbalized it that way ... now it has a "label"!

I try to test my beliefs with the "2 or 3 witness" method, and scripture is one of the primary witnesses, the Holy Spirit is the other and the church is another.

"Divine Grace is not opposed to effort ...
it is opposed to earning "
— Dallas Willard

"Divine Grace is not opposed to effort ...
it is opposed to earning "
— Dallas Willard