Using Social Exegesis on the Pages of Life
Using Social Exegesis on the Pages of Life
Chris Williamson | 2015
Abstract
If interpreting the Bible seems difficult at times, interpreting the times we live in can be just as taxing. Social Exegesis is the ability to observe and wisely interpret the highly complex social issues of our day with balance and objectivity. Rather than doingsocial eisegesis, which is the dangerous misstep of reading into today’s perplexing events many of our personal prejudices, biases, and agendas, we should look to be like “the sons of Issachar who understood the times and knew what Israel should do(I Chronicles 12:32).”
The four principles of Social Exegesis are as follows:
1. Ask Questions: Through initial observation ask yourself: What happened? What is it that I see plainly? What is the immediate context of this occurrence? What is the surrounding context? What smaller events led up to this main event? What sources am I relying on to give me my information? What are the counter views? Is there any validity to those perspectives?
2. Dig Deeper: What are the invisible yet very real factors that have bearings on this matter? As with biblical exegesis, today’s social interpreters must go deeper below the surface and run these matters through historical, economical, educational, racial, judicial, cultural, political, and spiritual grids. As social observers, we must be determined to get below the surface of the iceberg in order to see the biggest and often unseen parts of the problems at hand.
3. Be Honest: We all have biases because we all have imperfections. None of us are perfectly objective, and due to our experiences we bring partiality into our interpretations. Are you aware of your implicit biases towards people of other classes, religions, or ethnic groups? What human, social, and cultural limitations do you admit to having in regards to interpreting these events in a fair manner? How have you committedsocial eisegesisby reading into the situation things that aren’t there based on an agenda?
4. Do Something: Besides praying, how can you be a force for good? What can you do in your community to serve others that are impacted by these issues? In what ways can you be a change agent, a bridge builder, a peacemaker, a herald, a reconciler, or a restorer of the breach? How can you use your platform and sphere of influence to encourage dialogue, healing, hope, accountability, and unity? How can you change unjust systems and not just blinded minds? What can you say or promote on social media that is educational, inclusive, truthful, and compassionate?
We know that tomorrow will produce another tragedy. We cannot change what will happen, but we can change how we interpret what happens. We can also change how we respond in ways that honor God and serves our fellow man. This is why it is imperative that we use Social Exegesis on the pages of life.