Great Books and Christian Thinking

Hermeneutics is the study of how to think and read texts.

At the Academy, we take a stance toward texts that is decidedly Christian in perspective.

THREE WAYS TO READ:

(1) Hermeneutic of Faith: a hermeneutic that assumes that our faith in the Christian message amounts to knowledge that should be utilized in all spheres of inquiry.

(2) Hermeneutic of Authority: a hermeneutic by which the discussant takes an attitudinal stance toward all texts as submissive to Christ as Lord. Reading is a practice, then, of subjecting all things to Christ and seeing all things as opportunities for obedience.

(3) Hermeneutic of Charity: a hermeneutic that is directed toward God and mankind, yet rooted and motivated by Trinitarian love. In addition to highlighting our differences with alternative perspectives and worldviews, as a community of Christian readers we seek to read texts charitably while taking a stance of charity to one another from a heart of love to God.

This is part of how we will seek to integrate our faith and learning.

 

Example Background Questions in Discussions: 

(1) What is the Creational diversity at work in this piece of literature?

(2) What is the Redemptive overlap or influence found in this piece of literature?

(3) What are the corrupted influences or effects of this piece of literature?

(4) Where is the opportunity to love our neighbors in this piece of literature?

(5) How can we love God through our practice of reading this piece of literature?

(6) Why is obedience necessary and how can we obey God?

Each Academy professor will display responsible Christian action in his/her reading, teaching, and leading discussions.