Toward an Orthodox Hermeneutic

Abstract

AbstractAn Orthodox biblical hermeneutic is anchored on axiomatic hermeneutical premises implied and expressed by Jesus and the apostolic gospel: the revealed authority of Holy Scripture, the centrality of Christ in the story of salvation, and the role of Christ/gospel as the decisive criterion of interpretation. The organic continuity between the biblical and patristic heritage is demonstrated by the organic bond of the gospel and the rule of faith in their closely related hermeneutical functions. The Church fathers built on these foundations and developed a far more nuanced and conscious hermeneutic in terms of both specific premises and spiritual attributes (phronema or “mind” of the fathers), centered on the life of the Church. The major hermeneutical proposals of Georges Florovsky, John Romanides, John Breck, and Savas Agourides are critically assessed, showing a movement from the rejection of modern biblical studies to a full acceptance, though with theological and hermeneutical discomfort. The conclusion offers to clear the tension through an Orthodox hermeneutical paradigm featuring historical, theological, and transformational aspects and applicable to the interpretation of biblical and patristic texts in full conversation with contemporary studies.