Important Contribution of Different Scholars to the Field of Biblical Studies - Essay Example

Important Contribution(s) of Different Scholars to the Field of Biblical Studies The contributions of R. J. Coggins, J. L., Houlden, John H. Hayes and Donald McKim towards Biblical interpretation have been exemplary. Their contributions have been beneficial in research, academia and general theological work worldwide. John. H. Hayes has interpreted very valuable information and given very important information that can be used. Dictionary of Biblical interpretation has over forty one articles that have played a key role in the study of the bible and scripture as a whole. His interpretations give important citations for many purposes. The articles interconnect with apocryphal books, ancient and modern interpreters work, medieval work that laid the foundation for modern day ideologies, methods as well as movements that are key for biblical studies. The writer has minimized alteration of the original information as much as possible to maintain the authenticity of t6hje information in the bible. However, there has been addition of information to small extent which go beyond minor corrections. In this context, it has been observed that the book of Esther has additional text that comprises about nine sentences. These have formed the basis for the recent studies carried out on the book of Esther. Furthermore, the Song of Songs for instance, has thirty additional items to the bibliography causing some minor differences in the upcoming books and present day interpretations. Therefore the writer has laid a good foundation to modern day biblical studies and interpretations. it has been noted that the Deutronomical books in the old Testament has additional fascinating topics that focus on individual interpreters, modern approaches as well as theological topics that give immense inspiration. This has been based on the articles written or excerpted from the Dictionary of interpretations by John H. Hayes. Most biblical interpreters and writers emphasize and give particular attention to information obtained in the last two centuries. This marks a unifying factor towards the greatest interpreters. However, some interpreters subdivide their research and work to the different categories, namely: Early interpretation, which addresses the ancient Biblical information and how they formed basis for subsequent work. The second category is the early middle age. This follows the early middle age and borrows heavily from the earlier version. Thirdly, there is the twelfth century interpretation which laid the foundation for the other interpretations. Others are The scholastic period, the early modern period and lastly, the modern interpretations. All these have relied heavily on the contributions of earlier interpreters (Coggins & Houlden, 1990). R. J. Cougins and J. L. Houlden have influenced modern day Biblical interpretations a great deal. There work has spurred many reactions including Ideological criticism, fascination and inspiration marking a hall mark in theology. It is observed that virtually all their work are hinged on similar rules. These include the following: Rule of definition. This gives a guideline concerning interpretation of individual words. This minimizes distortion of the original message encoded therein. For instance, some words may be changed from Greek to English or Hebrew to English lexicon. The rule of usage. It gives the context in terms of audience or culture in which the information is being used. For instance, it must be noted that the Old Testament was written originally by the Jews and meant for their own use. Therefore there is need during interpretation to decode some words to make meaning understandable to other groups as well. The rule of Logic. It should be noted that the interpretation should make sense to the user and quite understandable. This wipes out any speculation that is not factual. The historical background. Most of the greatest Biblical interpreters have awareness of the life, lifestyle as well as the society of the times which the scripture was written. Furthermore, the other rules include; rule of precedent, rule of unity and rule of inference. All these great interpreters have put into consideration the above mentioned rules. This makes their work acceptable and forms a point of reference for other theologians (Mckim, 2007). Donald K. McKim being a reformed Theologian, professor and academician, has been instrumental in interpretation of the Old and the testaments. His work is instructive, generous minded, highly imaginative, one that provokes thoughts, incisive and not boring at all. These attributes gives it upper hand for use by readers. In the book, Dictionary of Major Biblical Interpreters, the information has become indispensable. It is a valuable resource for use by theologians across the board and its user friendly. It provides trustworthy information which addresses people of all ages. Its historical introduction is essential and assists the reader to know and understand the hermeneutical developments that have happened throughout the period of Biblical interpretations. The work of Raymond E. Brown is seen to concentrate more on the commentary about the Gospel of John. He has contributed immensely in interpretation of the Gospel of John from Greek to modern English. This is essential as it allows all readers to understand the gospel. He has helped in sorting out all major issues concerning the authenticity of the gospel of John, including its authorship, date, composition as well as its relation to other synoptic gospels like Matthew, Luke and Mark. His work mostly concentrates on the New Testament. This has given him a chance to be regarded as the dean of the New Testament scholars. He has authored several books including: The Birth of the Messiah, The Death of The Messiah and An introduction to the New Testament. These provide vital information for modern day interpreters. He examines the role of the Holy Spirit, a power that has astounded many Christians. He also includes in his work, a special appendix on the paraclete in relation to the subject of the holy spirit. Brown discusses the miracles found in the Gospel of John and interprets the less elaborate and obscure words written in Greek. This makes it understandable and easy to read. He actually shows the relevance tagged to the miracles and words of Jesus which is of great importance to all Theologians, scholars and lay people (Hayes, 1999). The work of Biblical interpreters has played a key role in many sectors of theology and Christianity as a whole. It should be noted that DBI is essential in relation to bible understanding. It also makes the information written in Greek to be decoded to English which can be understood easily. Coggins R. J and Houlden, J,L. seds. A Dictionary of Biblical Interpretation. Trinity Press International,1990. Donald K.Mckim. Dictionary of Major Biblical Interpreters. Inter-Varsity Press,2007. John H.Hayes,ed. Dictionary of Biblical Interpretation. Abingdon Press 1999. Read More