Eisegesis
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Eisegesis (/ˌaɪsɪˈdʒiːsɪs/) is the process of interpreting text in such a way as to introduce one's own presuppositions, agendas or biases. It is commonly referred to as reading into the text.[1] It is often done to "prove" a pre-held point of concern, and to provide confirmation bias corresponding with the pre-held interpretation and any agendas supported by it.
Eisegesis is best understood when contrasted with exegesis. Exegesis is drawing out a text's meaning in accordance with the author's context and discoverable meaning. Eisegesis is when a reader imposes their interpretation of the text. Thus exegesis tends to be objective; and eisegesis, highly subjective.
Although the terms eisegesis and exegesis are commonly heard in association with Biblical interpretation, both (especially exegesis) are used across literary disciplines.
In Biblical study
[edit]While exegesis is an attempt to determine the historical context within which a particular verse exists—the so-called "Sitz im Leben" or life setting—eisegetes often neglect this aspect of Biblical study.[2]: 88
Protestants and fundamentalist Christians likewise often accuse Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians of eisegesis for viewing Scripture through Holy Tradition, and may accuse Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians of fabricating or distorting tradition to support their view, which they see as opposed to the doctrine of sola scriptura where the text is believed to be able to speak for itself without Holy Tradition.[citation needed] Jews, in turn, might assert that Christians practice eisegesis when they read the Old Testament as anticipating Jesus of Nazareth.[3]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Webster (1976), New Collegiate Dictionary (8th ed.), G. & C. Merriam, p. 364,
eisegesis… the interpretation of a text (as of the Bible) by reading into it one's own ideas…
. - ^ Beville, K. A., Preaching Christ in a Postmodern Culture (Newcastle upon Tyne: Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2010), p. 88.
- ^ Kaiser, W. C., Jr., The Majesty of God in the Old Testament: A Guide for Preaching and Teaching (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2007), pp. 16–17.
Further reading
[edit]- "Exegesis, Biblical", Erwin Fahlbusch and Geoffrey William Bromiley, The Encyclopedia of Christianity (Grand Rapids, Mich.; Leiden, Netherlands: Wm. B. Eerdmans; Brill, 1999–2003). 2:237.
External links
[edit]
The dictionary definition of eisegesis at Wiktionary
