Theories and Methods

The ‘meaning is constructed rather than revealed’ theory plays a major role in religion and theology. Many world religions like Christianity have made it their responsibility to explain what it takes to be a believer. For instance, a born again Christian will always search into the scriptures to find out what a particular portion of scripture implies and how it can be meaningfully be applied in daily living through Exegesis and Hermeneutics approaches. It can, therefore, be observed that many believers who profess different faiths will rely on their spiritual leaders to meaningfully interpret religious manuscripts. For example; Muslim preachers always read the Quran and make an attempt to search for the meaning to their followers.

Implications of this theory

Therefore, several insinuations may result from this construction of meaning. To begin with, the construction of meaning may result in allegorical preaching in religion. Allegory is simply considering deeper spiritual meaning of scriptures to be more insightful than the literal interpretations of religious text like the Bible (Reid, 2013). While this system of preaching has received cold reception from many Christian preachers, a segment of other preachers have given allegorical preaching a nod to such like preachers. The main functions of allegory are integrating the use of metaphors and symbols in preaching (Park, 2012). As a result, the major implication of this kind of search for meaning is that an individual may fall into the temptation of changing the literal and real meaning of scriptures in order to fit his personal understanding of the portion and situation. This means that many believers risks being tossed over by every wind of personal search for meaning.

The other implication is using scriptures out of context. In Christian faith, all the scriptures have been written in a particular context and cultural prototype. It is therefore very important to consider these two important aspects and/or factors in interpreting that particular portion of scripture. However, many preachers and religious teachers have failed to recognize this fact and have ended up giving a meaning which is out of context and cultural pattern of that particular portion of scripture. There are three factors of Homiletics namely, the scriptural text, the preacher and the audience (Kneidel, 2010), and are useful in interpreting religious manuscripts. Therefore, failure to consider such factors will end result in wrong meaning of scripture thus distorting the reality. Religious preachers also fall prey of constructing their own meaning out of the scriptures and thus they lead astray their followers.

Theory’s suggestion on religious texts

The first suggestion by this theory illustrates that meaning can be constructed by the reader within the borders of the particular readings (Smagorinsky, 2009). In other words, this is a suggestion that emphasizes on the reader’s ability to stick to the religious text with the aim of getting most out of it. This means that the reader must consider personal ability to read, understand and get a construct of meaning from that transcript. This is an attempt to curb the implications earlier mentioned of this theory. The other suggestion is the approach of starting from the common to the uncommon. Common sense will dictate that an individual will always rely on individual’s past experiences and circumstances to arrive at a decision.

Coming closer home into the topic, most religious materials and manuscripts can be understood without hidden meaning. For example, the Bible in Christian faith restricts the followers from killing and stealing and therefore does not require the reader to search for any other meaning apart from shunning from such acts. Therefore, it becomes the best start point for any sectarian to construct meaning from the manuscript, thus, members are able to move on using similar approach. This is a means of identifying with the truth behind religious texts which in turn strengthens the level of faith in various religious groups. The ability of any member to understand and interpret true meaning of the religious materials will determine whether this member will become an ardent follower of the traditions of the said religion or will leave, triggering a dissection among religious sectarians.

Benefits accrued as a result of de-construction

The number one benefit of careful search for true meaning is that the membership will be stronger and firm in doctrine. Any correction that is done out of love and understanding is said to be effective and helpful to any individual who is willing to be corrected. Likewise, sect members who agree to follow the suggestions of this theory will be both firm religious members and will aide in establishing others in truth. This approach is also helpful in the establishment of religious doctrines that should be followed by every believer of that religion. Therefore, Relativism and Agnosticism of religion ought not to be ignored. This study will help religious members appreciate the diversity in individual’s knowledge of religion and be able to create room for everybody to have the autonomy of choice in matters of religion, the young included (Ashour & Hum, 2010).

References

Ashour, M. & Ham, M. (2010). Relativism, Atheism, and Agnosticism: How to Help your Kids Defend against These Ideologies. A Journal of Religion , 1, 11-14.

Kneidel, G. (2010). Homiletics. A Journal of Theology , 6, 347-350.

Park, R. (2012). The Problem of Allegory in Origen. History of Christian Preaching , 1, 1-24.

Reid, D. (2013, August 28). The problem with allegory in preaching. Preaching , p. 1.

Smagorinsky, P. (2009). If Meaning is Constructed, What’s it made of? Language Education , 3, 1-39.