The search function searches Bible class descriptions and transcripts. When the search function finds the search word or phrase, you will be presented with links to the classes that contain those words. The link will take you to the class audio page. If you want to find where the search phase is located in the Bible class transcript, click on the Transcript:read link to view the transcript. Once in the transcript window, type Ctrl-F (PC) or Cmd-F (Mac) to enter the word or phrase in the browser search box, and it will show you all occurrences of your search word(s).
Search Tips
Entering a search string with no other criteria (such as AND, NOT, or quote marks) will return some of the context around the words you entered (which are highlighted) as well as a link to the audio player for the class. That page will also have links to the video, transcript, and slides for that class.
Entering two search terms separated by the word AND will return links to all items which contain both of those terms as well as part of the description of each class.
Entering two terms separated by the word NOT will return links to all items which contain the first term but not the second term as well as part of the description of each class.
Entering a search string in quotes will return links to items that contain the exact phrase as well as part of the description of each class.
A Mini-Series is a small subset of lessons from a major series which covers a particular subject or book. The class numbers will be in reference to the major series rather than the mini-series.
The maxim of literal interpretation has a noble heritage reaching back to the Reformation, even though it has fallen into disuse among contemporary scholars. Part of the problem is its negative associations. It seems archaic and passé because its concerns are no longer the primary concerns of a contemporary culture. In addition, few can agree on the meaning of “literal.”
In this essay, I agree in part with the criticism of the use of “literal.” But I also believe that correctly understood it specifies a primary concern for biblical interpretation.
First, I agree that in biblical interpretation, we do not begin with a modern or postmodern worldview. Rather, we begin with a worldview expressed by Augustine: we believe to know. As Christians we believe the Gospel to know ourselves and to come to know God. When we turn to Scripture, we believe what the Scripture claims to be true of itself: God speaks and what He says is truth (John 17:17). Of course, interpretation is necessary to know the meaning of that truth.
Within this pre-modern worldview, there are two qualifications. First, textual criticism is essential to know what God has written. In addition, where historical-critical problems remain unresolved, these problems need to be addressed. Yet the claim of Scripture to be true remains a viable premise in textual interpretation.
