Re: Hyers' Article - Cods Wallop!

On Mon, 23 Feb 2004 21:31:59 -0600 "Phillip Jones" <pcjones5@comcast.net>
writes:
And that's the whole problem...you're applying a present day common
interpretive method to a text that was written in a time that was rich
with allegory. You're applying a post-modern method of interpretation:
separate the text from its original environment and allow the interpreter
to set the rules. What you are doing is choosing to ignore the
metaphorical usage of an ancient culture so far removed from our own, and
applying your default method of reading text, allowing your own
hermeneutical baggage to outweigh any background understanding.

In my job, I work daily with people from other countries. When I utter a
cliche, sometimes I am misunderstood because the hearer is unfamiliar
with my language usage via the cliche. This is the same concept, Dick:
you cannot settle for a prima facie interpretation of something not
written in present day American english.

-Phil

Phil,
You are overlooking that extension of a principle that I have seen in
operation repeatedly: if I speak English clearly and loudly enough,
everyone will understand me. The extension provides that every rational
creature must understand things as I do. Of course, some people are deaf
or irrational. ;-)
Dave
Received on Mon Feb 23 23:24:04 2004