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Do you find exegesis and hermeneutics to be equally challenging tasks or is one easier than the other? If one is easier, which one is it? Why do you think that’s the case?
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It depends on the text that is being studied. Exegesis is usually easier, but it is also usually more tedious.
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it depends on the text.
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It depends on the individual passage really. Some are more difficult to apply to the here and now and others are hard to understand in the context of when they were written. However, most of the time I find understanding exegesis keeps me from applying hermeneutics incorrectly. It is equally important to fully understand both the meaning at the time and in that culture as well as keeping that in mind as you apply the scripture to the present time. Often you will find that albeit the verse hasn’t changed, the application sometimes has. Be wary though of taking verses out of context and applying to modern day only. So in some instances exegesis is easier to apply and other times hermeneutics is simpler to practice.
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I think exegesis is challenging because it requires knowing the author’s original intent, the situation and location involved, the original recipients, etc. Without knowing that information, misinterpretation can easily occur, thus, one’s understanding and application is misconstrued.
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To interpret the original meaning and purpose of the text is much easier because so many people have done it before you. Now, application is harder because we would be considering current culture, and mostly awareness because the meaning does not change but your current situation and/or livelihood may not be applicable.