Principles of Interpretation

Midterm Test - First Semester

Please read all of the following instructions before beginning the test. It is important that these instructions be followed exactly.

  1. This is a closed book test. Answer each question to the best of your ability without referring to your text book, notes, or any other outside aid.
  2. Do NOT press "Enter" on your keyboard at anytime while filling out fields. The "Enter" key will cause your answers to be forwarded to the instructor before you are ready. Instead use the "Tab" key, or your mouse, to move to the next field.
  3. When you are finished with the test, review your answers one last time, and make any necessary corrections. Then scroll to the bottom of this page, and click the send button.
  4. The True or False questions below are worth 2 points each. The Short Answer questions are worth 18 points each. The total possible points for the test are 104.
     

Student Information

Student Name:

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True or False

  1. The term "hermeneutics" is taken from the name of a mythological Greek god, Hermes.
    True False
  2. Hermeneutics is a science as well as an art.
    True False
  3. One of the reasons we study hermeneutics is so that others will be better able to understand the things we write and say.
    True False
  4. It is possible to understand the Bible without knowing anything about hermeneutics.
    True False
  5. It is possible to use correct methods of hermeneutics without specifically being aware of those methods.
    True False
  6. It is a fundamental fact of biblical criticism that older manuscripts (i.e., handwritten copies of texts) are always more accurate than younger manuscripts, because the older manuscripts are closer to the original source.
    True False
  7. Though there are many different hermeneutical methods with both "weaknesses" and "strengths," there is only one right method of hermeneutics.
    True False
  8. Although there are many translations of the Bible, some well done, and some poorly done, all translations of the Bible basically translate the same Hebrew, and Greek texts.
    True False
  9. The best method of translation is the Dynamic Equivalence method, because it attempts to convey the thought of the writers, rather than the words that the writers used.
    True False
  10. An axiom is a statement which is more fundamentally true than non-axiomatic statements.
    True False
  11. Different expressions always express different thoughts.
    True False
  12. To understand a man's speech, we need to know the meaning of words as they were defined at the time the man spoke.
    True False
  13. When seeking to understand a man's words, we should be aware that every expression of thought can have multiple meanings.
    True False
  14. If two statements contradict, neither can be true.
    True False
  15. An expression of truth necessarily includes all that it implies, and nothing more.
    True False
  16. The rule of simplicity states that the best interpretation will always be a simple interpretation.
    True False

Short Answer

  1. In a few words explain the difference between the Allegorical and Literal methods of hermeneutics, and some of the weakness of each. (Remember: don't use the "Enter" key to add blank lines. A single paragraph will suffice.)


     
  2. Briefly describe the Inductive method of hermeneutics, and tell why it is to be preferred over other methods. (Again, don't use the "Enter" key.)


     
  3. How does knowing the purpose behind an author's words help in our understanding of the author's meaning?


     
  4. What is the most important thing you have learned so far in this class (or if you have only been confirmed in previous knowledge, what is the most important thing we have discussed so far in this class), and why?