Kerygmatic hermeneutics:
A theology and practice of theological interpretation
for The Tabernacle Church and Missions

Abstract

In this thesis, I develop an account of how Scripture can be read in the Spirit, in a context like that of The Tabernacle Church and Missions in Singapore. I begin by reflecting on a practice of attending to the Spirit in my church community. I draw from this pneumatology an account of the marks of the Spirit - intoxication, life, participation and revelation of truth - that can help readers discern when they are not only hearing human voices but also the voice of the Spirit.

I locate the church’s reading of Scripture within this account of the Spirit’s working. I argue that such a Spirit-led process is the proper context for an interpretation of Scripture that can make for an embodied witness to Jesus Christ in the world. I formulate a theology for this account of interpreting Scripture in the Spirit; I call it kerygmatic hermeneutics.

I develop a detailed practical proposal for kerygmatic interpretation. I adapt David Jeremiah Seah’s Participatory Active Listening Prayer Method to produce a method for interpreting Scripture in the Spirit.

Kerygmatic hermeneutics includes processes for its own self-criticism – kerygmatic criticism – in relation to the marks of the Spirit. These disciplined processes open readers to discovery, learning and correction in relation to reader dispositions, community devotion, practices, outcomes and impacts. Readers learn to discern together when and to what extent they are (or are not) embodying scriptural truth in a valid representation of Christ’s likeness and God’s glory. Such discernment in a testing and evaluation of the forming of the Body of Christ can help us make an attribution to the efficacy of the Spirit’s presence and activities in the world.