Unlocking History

Today's question is: The Historical approach focuses on the question, “What did this text mean in the ancient historical setting in which it was written?” The Metaphorical approach focuses on the question: What does this story mean as a story, independent of its historical factuality.” Which of these two approaches are you most/least comfortable with? Why?

I am very comfortable with the historical approach to scripture. However, I have a Masters of Divinity degree and minored in theology in undergrad. Learning about the importance of the historical approach to scripture and how to find such information was a regular part of my theological education. When we look through the lens of history, we find a depth and richness in the text that an otherwise cursory read would overlook.

The problem is this, if I were I lay person, I don't think I would be comfortable in this arena at all.

So - how can lay people get more comfortable unlocking the historical context of a text? It's all about the tools. For starters, everyone needs to have a good Bible. If you are still using the Bible that your church gave you in 1972, it's time to get a new one. And for goodness sake, if you are trying to read the King James version of the Bible, unless you like reading Shakespeare in your spare time, run, don't walk, to your local book seller and get a New Revised Standard Version of the Bible. When looking for an NRSV, I would suggest getting a study Bible with hearty footnotes. For the casual reader, all the historical background you will ever need will be in those footnotes. For the more curious reader, you can buy a good commentary, or check some online source like www.textweek.com.

When you begin to read the Bible with its historical context in mind, how does that change your reading and interpretation of it?