Biblical Authorship and Sensus Plenior

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that hermeneutics, both a science and an art, exists for the purpose in propagating interpretation. The author points out that the study of sensus plenior is a foray into the more artistic side of biblical interpretation, firmly grounded in the foundation of literal interpretation of the text. The paper relates that sensus plenior is a theological proposition stating that there is more to some texts than the author's initially understood there to be; therefore, certain interpreters have been divinely inspired to "see" new meanings in the text that are accurate and merely previously overlooked. The author states that sensus plenior is inextricably linked with the single and dual theories of biblical authorship. The paper concludes that sensus plenior allows for Old Testament passages to be reinterpreted in light of New Testament revelation and then checked against all other available passages on the matter.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Dual Authorship
In Favor
Opposition
Single Authorship
In Favor
Opposition
Sensus Plenior
Introduction
Definition
Evidence
Warnings
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"In his writings, Peter claims that the biblical authors were moved by the Holy Spirit. Paul made similar claims when he stated that the Scriptures were God breathed. "Hence the Bible claims that Spirit-moved writers uttered God-breathed writings." This hypostatic union attempts to explain the partnership of the divine and human author. A comparison can be made to the Council of Chalcedon's theory to explain the divinity and humanity of Christ. The Council decreed that it is necessary to emphasize the divinity of Christ as well as the humanity of Christ."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Campbell, Lee. "Matthew's Use of the Old Testament: A Preliminary Analysis," Xenos Online Journal, 2000 http://www.xenos.org/MINISTRIES/crossroads/OnlineJournal/issue3/mtappe.htm#Ref5 (27 February 2007).
• Carson, D.A. and John D. Woodbridge, ed.,Hermeneutics, Authority and Canon. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1986.
• Gaussen, L. The Plenary Inspiration of The Holy Scriptures deduced from Internal Evidence, and the Testimonies of Nature, History and Science. Chicago, IL: The Bible Institute Colportage Association, 1850.
• Geisler, Norman. How History Views the Bible: Decide for Yourself. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1982.
• Geisler, Norman. Systematic Theology: Volume 1. Minneapolis, MN: BethanyHouse, 2002

More papers on Biblical Authorship and Sensus Plenior:

• Research Paper # 147971 : "Authorship and Attribution in Early Music Research"
• Research Paper # 71768 : "Biblical Inerrancy and Inspiration"
• Analytical Essay # 149408 : "The Biblical Flood and the "Epic of Gilgamesh"

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