10 points: What do we mean by "the Bible as Literature?"

05/30/21 • 31 min

On the Ephesus School Network, when we use the term "the Bible as Literature”, what do we mean? In episode 3, Andrea explores this question. Follow along as she presents 10 points – assumptions – that form the foundation for this approach.

10 points: "the Bible as Literature"
1. Written
2. Says what IT wants to say
3. From a tradition of classical literature
4. Literary mimesis
5. Perceived & prized as a work of classical literature
6. LONG story
7. Hearer submits to the story
8. A unity
9. Literary context
10. Instruction

Previous Episode

SJ Chrysostom's Paschal Homily: A reading & discussion

Who is St. John Chrysostom? In episode 2, Andrea speaks about St. John Chrysostom & his Paschal homily. She explains what he is trying to say in the homily & how we are meant to hear it.

St. John Chrysostom Paschal Homily in English
St. John Chrysostom Paschal Homily in Greek

In the above English translation of St. John Chrysostom's Paschal Homily, "epikranthi" is translated as "troubled" and "uproar". Neither of these words capture the meaning of "epikranthi" quite the way that "vexed" does. Words matter. It is a difficult task to capture the spirit of the original meaning of words. When it comes to the Bible, we must make the effort - as Chrysostom did.

Next Episode

Eisegesis vs. Exegesis

In today’s episode, Andrea explains the distinction between eisegesis and exegesis.

Your point of view – the place from which you stand to view something – affects what you see. The student of the Bible must decide on their point of view before they begin reading. Follow along as Andrea explains two different ways to approach the biblical story.

The Princess Bride, the movie