1. Return to the Models

2. DOCTRINAL
MODEL
PROS CONS
- Propositional
Statements
- Bible primarily as source
of doctrine (inerrant,
inspired)
It is right in saying that
the Bible cannot be
reduced to symbols or for
evocative purposes only.
There are truths that
have to be accepted for
their face value.
(inerrant)
Needs to be
supplemented by the
symbolic to provide richer
reflection.
Discourages
interpretation

3. Doctrinal Model

4. HISTORICAL
MODEL
PROS CONS
Salvation history form –
Bible is considered as
reliable source of sacred
history
Critical History approach –
Bible simply the best source
for reconstructing events
important for our faith.
Both forms recognize the
potential of Scriptural
language as a source of
revelation.
In other words, God reveals
himself in history through
symbolic events.
Revelation must be passed
on to future generations
through meaningful
language.
Tendency toward two
extremes:
1. Reduction of everything
to hard facts. (no
interpretation)
2. Myths and symbols are
more revelatory than
facts. (facts can also be
powerful revelatory
sources)

5. Historical Model

6. EXPERIENTIAL
MODEL
PROS CONS
-Bible is not a source of
revealed doctrine but a
means of passing on
revelatory experience (as
evocative literary
symbols)
The symbolic language of
Scriptures do originate
from revelatory
experience. As such, they
can also induce such
experiences in the reader.
Being too individualist
and empiricist (reliant on
experience) it disregards
the historical and social
character of revelation.

7. Experiential Model

8. DIALECTICAL
MODEL
PROS CONS
Prime importance on the
kerygma.
Bible is not a revelation in
itself but a witness to
revelation (Jesus Christ).
It is not the “revealed word”
(Jesus), but it provides us
access to Him through
fallible human words.
Experience not a source but
a medium for revelation.
God does seemingly
“inverbalizes” or
“inscripturates” himself
through the Bible.
He continues His revelatory
work through the Bible as a
means of self-
communication.
There is a tendency to
overlook this model as being
too symbolic or too
dependent on
interpretation.

9. Dialectical Model

10. Return to the Models
CONSCIOUSNESS
MODEL
PROS CONS
- Revelation not in the Bible
but in contemporary
experience as illuminated by
Scriptures.
The Bible is a considered as
a fountain of revelation that
is ever-new. It speaks to all
generations and to all
situations.
It is never static.
Hermeneutics allows us to
find meaning in Scriptures
applicable to our present
times.
Hermeneutics can be
applied to other forms of
literature.
One must first allow the
Bible to establish its own
framework of meaning to
form, reform and transform
the reader. Otherwise, there
is the danger of twisting
Biblical interpretation to suit
one’s needs.

11. Consciousness Model

12. The Bible: Document of Revelation
Return to the Models
• Biblical symbols should be cultivated
without abandoning modernity
• Meaning must be brought
to the text (Scriptures) and
tested and modified by an
encounter with it