Allegory Literature- ThM LECTURE- JHI-USA

Allegory Literature - ThM LECTURE- JHI-USA
LECTURE NOTES: are in the Video Transcript OR in
PRINCIPLES OF BIBLICAL LITERATURE
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JHI - BA BIBLICAL LITERATURE LECTURES
LECTURE 18 ALLEGORY
Allegory is a powerful literary and interpretative tool used within the Bible, and its understanding has evolved significantly throughout the history of Christian thought. Evangelical scholars approach biblical allegory with a particular focus on the authority and sufficiency of Scripture, the historical-grammatical method of interpretation, and the importance of maintaining a distinction between allegory and typology.

This lecture will explore the concept of allegory within the Bible from an evangelical perspective, addressing its biblical foundation, historical context, interpretative methods, and practical applications in Christian life and theology.

Is allegory even biblical? Yes.
Allegory, broadly defined, refers to a narrative that uses symbolic figures, actions, or imagery to convey deeper spiritual or moral meanings. In the Bible, allegory is not a predominant method of communication, but it is present in various forms, particularly in the Old Testament and in some New Testament teachings.

One of the clearest examples of biblical allegory is found in Galatians 4:21-31, where the Apostle Paul uses the story of Hagar and Sarah to illustrate the difference between the Old and New Covenants. Paul explicitly refers to this narrative as an "allegory" (Galatians 4:24, ESV), using it to communicate a deeper theological truth about law and grace. This passage demonstrates that allegory can be a legitimate method of biblical interpretation when it is used by inspired authors to reveal theological principles.

Another significant example is the use of allegorical language in the Song of Solomon. While this book is a poetic expression of romantic love, many evangelical scholars also recognize an allegorical interpretation that sees it as a depiction of the love between Christ and the Church. This interpretation is not the primary focus of the text, but it has been embraced within Christian tradition as a secondary, spiritual application.

The history of allegorical interpretation in the Church is complex and has been the subject of much debate. The early Church Fathers, particularly in the Alexandrian school of thought, heavily employed allegorical interpretation. Origen (c. 184–253 AD) was one of the most prominent figures advocating for an allegorical approach to Scripture, especially in the Old Testament. He argued that many biblical texts contained deeper, hidden spiritual meanings that went beyond the literal sense.

However, the allegorical method was not universally accepted. The Antiochene school, represented by figures like John Chrysostom (c. 349–407 AD) and Theodore of Mopsuestia (c. 350–428 AD), emphasized the importance of the literal and historical sense of Scripture, cautioning against excessive allegorization that could obscure the true meaning of the text.

During the Reformation, figures like Martin Luther and John Calvin were critical of the allegorical method as it was used in the medieval Church. They argued for a return to the plain meaning of Scripture, emphasizing the historical-grammatical method. However, both Reformers acknowledged that certain passages, particularly those identified as allegories by the biblical authors themselves, could be interpreted allegorically.

Within evangelicalism, the interpretation of allegory in the Bible is approached with caution. Evangelical scholars generally emphasize the literal, historical, and grammatical interpretation of Scripture, aligning with the principles of sola scriptura and the belief in the inerrancy of the Bible.

This does not mean that evangelicals reject allegory outright, but they approach it with the understanding that the primary meaning of a biblical text is usually found in its literal and historical context.

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