Biblical Criticism

• Where does biblical criticism come from?

  Until the Protestant reformation, Christians learnt about their faith from the Church through the teachings of the clergy. Following the reformation, Protestant Christians were able to study the Bible in their own languages and could form their own opinions about its meaning. They could then argue about its meaning. The Bible became more a principal guide than the Church. Started the idea of biblical criticism; languages, context etc became more important when reading the Bible
• What are the three key features of biblical criticism

  1. Examines the original languages in which scripture was written to ensure the translated words reflect the meaning that the authors intended

  2. Biblical criticism looks at the form of each piece of writing in order to find the context in which it should be understood (letter, speech etc??)

  3. Examines the background to each passage of scripture - including the commonly held views of the day, things that the writer would assume his readers would know and therefore did not need to explain
• According to 1 Timothy, what was the role of women in the Church?


  - Dress modestly. Focus on worshipping God

  - Stay quiet. Not allowed to teach

  - Should have children, it is how they will be saved
• How would conservatives interpret 1 Timothy?

  Literally - believe they have it stick to it
• How would liberals interpret 1 Timothy in relation to the original language?

  The original Greek 'authentien' only appears once. How do we know what the meaning was? If he meant authority why did he not just say 'exousia
• How would liberals interpret 1 Timothy in relation to the form of writing?

  It is a letter written in response to a crisis in the Church at Ephesus. We only see one side of the exchange, it may have related to a specific problem not universal
• How would liberals interpret 1 Timothy in relation to background and context?

  May have been a particular issue with the Church in Ephesus that the letter was trying to correct. If the advice is specific it may not be universally applicable. Few women at the time had formal education so were more likely to be led astray by teachings they did not understand. Therefore although at the time they could not take a leading role in the church, it does not mean the same applies today
• What does Paul say in his letter to the Romans about Phoebe?

  'I commend to you our sister Phoebe... I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you
• How is Paul's letter interpreted by the Church?

  As dispute over language. Some may interpret it as God allowing a woman to hold power in the Church but many disagree
• What other verse supports Paul?

  Galatians 3:26-28 'Nor is there male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus
• What else does Paul say?

  'Wives submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord
• How does the Church interpret Paul's argument against equality?

  They interpret it as women not being allowed to speak or hold authority in the Church