Patristic Interpretive Methods
Patristic Interpretive Methods do not approach textual study in the same way as the modern church. Generally the Patristic Interpretive Methods can be organized around three basic analytic strategies: literal, typological, and allegorical.
1. The literal strategy is an intensive and broad analysis that identifies particular word associations that intensify scriptural meaning.
2. The typological strategy interprets distinct patterns of events within scripture and applies those patterns to other events in scripture and the history of the church. Good examples are the prefiguration of Christ in the Old Testament, and Church practice that is mirrored in Old Testament.
3. The Allegorical locates connection points between scriptural passages and a range of symbolic, metaphorical, figurative or mystical topics.
Contents
Recommended Reading
Resources
Christopher Hall, "Reading Scripture with the Church Fathers."
Canonical Areas
Holy Scripture
Content of Scripture
a. Books of the Bible & Category b. Major Biblical Figures c. Major Biblical Themes
Context of Scripture
a. Historical Context b. Canonical Context c. Literary Context d. Transmission / Translation
Interpretive Methods
a. Patristic Interpretive Methods b. Medieval Interpretive Methods c. Reformation Interpretive Methods d. Modern Interpretive Methods
