An Evaluation of the Canonical Approach: Is It Adequate for the Task of Old Testament Theology in Christian Hermeneutic Endeavour?

Abstract

The overarching question is: "How do we make the biblical text relevant for our present context?" The answer ultimately resides in reading the text theologically. Therefore, the question must be: "How do we read the Old Testament theologically?" This article shows that the canonical approach to Scripture brings out the theological significance of the text because it allows a number of windows to illuminate the exegetical task. In the article's consideration of literary form, it acknowledges that narrative is a sizeable window into both the historical and theological. Another window to Scriptural intentionality is found in the given shape of the Canon. The unity and, therefore, continuity of the text provide a large window to theological relevance. This article also intimates a smaller, but significant, window in aspects of biblical tradition, through programmatic themes. The Canon, however, with its varied literary forms, its tentative historical facts, and its veiled traditions, must stand out as the only constant in the theological task. Therefore the canonical approach to reading the text is indispensable to Old Testament exegesis and to Christian hermeneutics.

Religion and Development in Africa

“…Using a canonical approach to the Biblical texts as well as the systems perspective, it is the interest of this chapter to explore the phenomenon of sexuality challenges at some length. As opposed to a diachronic approach whereby one looks at the development of the text over time (historical criticism), the canonical approach takes a synchronic approach whereby one looks at the Biblical texts as they exist at one point in time (Pereira 2015). The canonical approach is particularly interested in the meaning of texts within their canonical context as finished works and historical criticism is not rejected but is given a subordinate status.…”

Muslim immigration and reformed Christology

“…Klingbeil (2003:403) and Pereira (2015:2) underscore the fact that this critical approach lacks relevance to Christians because it tends to imprison the text in the past, therefore, failing to bridge the gap between the past and the present. At this juncture, it can be argued, in concurrence with Pereira (2015:2) that the aforementioned weakness of the historical critical approach has resulted in Carson (2010) acknowledging Pattison, who avows that: Indeed, this serves to underscore that no approach is devoid of inherent weaknesses, as has been seen from the critiques of the redemptive historical and historical critical approaches.…”

The epistemology of (m)other tongue(s): What does this mean for language in education?

“…This article has borrowed part of its title from the Day of Pentecost's event as narrated in the biblical text (the book of Acts Chapter 2). According to Pereira, 24 biblical texts are used to tell stories about God and the people of God (the church). Therefore, in this article, an event surrounding the Day of the Pentecost is used to tell the story about 'mother tongue'.…”