Our major assignment for Hermeneutics

Hermeneutics Major Paper

Kaleo 2009

Choose one of the following texts and write a 5-6 page (double spaced) paper according

to the instructions in each section. Do not go over this length (or much under).

Romans 8:37-39

Hebrews 12:1-3

Ephesians 4:20-24

Galatians 2:19-21

A. Picture/Painting - Write 1-2 pages (paragraph form) with your observations from the

text. Make as many significant observations as possible - tell me what you “see”. What

are the details, what is the big picture, what can you know about the author and his

perspective and what can you know about the reader etc? Make sure you make your

observations in the larger context of the chapter and book as appropriate. This section is

the key to doing well on this paper.

B. Window - What are the important issues or question that this text raises for you?

Identify the three most important questions you have, and research each one showing the

fruit of your research (what did you learn from your questions). Consult at least five

library sources (web sources in addition to these five) - this is the primary research

section of the paper and should be approx. 2-3 pages long. If there is a difference of

opinion in your research concerning your questions be sure to note that.

C. Conclusion and interpretive challenges - From your study and research what is the

central question that needs to be answered to grasp the meaning of this text? Based on

your research what is the answer to this question. Based on your careful research where

might there be interpretive issues or challenges as to the central meaning of the text and

its application. To answer this you will need to have examined the text in the larger

context of the chapter and book. This section should be 1-2 pages.

D. Mirror - What is the central message of this text and what is the author’s intended

response for the readers (of his day)? Also share some personal insights and lessons

you’re learned from studying this text. Feel free to use first person in the last part of this

section

Important notes

• This paper represents more than 1/3 of the grade for the course and will be graded

accordingly. Work hard to understand the text; do careful research and apply your

learning in accordance with your research.

• Remember, presentation counts. This is an academic paper so make sure your

paper is typed, carefully written and proof read.

• You may use 1st person (I, my etc) only in section D.

• Make sure to credit all sources by use of footnotes. Also include a bibliography

for all sources used.