Exo/Deut: thurs 10.25.07

Writing your exegetical paper

-choose passage
-read through the passage very carfully...nothing other than the text until later
   -Explore and interact with the text itself
     -at this preliminary stage DO NOT USE commentaries, study Bibles, dictioaries, etc.
     -only look at text in question
     -pay careful attention to such things as setting, time, character, dialogue, word repetitions, etc.
   -Compare your passafe with at LEAST two other English translations (eg NRSV, NKJV, NIV, NAS, ESV, NET, etc)
     -note cariations in translation
   -WHat is the main theme of your passage?
     -note the overall context of your passage
      -remember when these books were written the authors had the end in mind...so pay attention to not only what comes before your passage, but also after
   -Are there any things in the structure of the passage as a whole which clue you in to its intended meaning?
   -What OT motifs arae in your passage?
     -covenant, land, sacrifice, rest, war/warrior, praise, etc
   -Are there any redemptive-historical elements to your passage?

Methodology
-During this stage, follow these steps
   -Step 1: Analyze structure of the text
     -What are the limits of the txt? How do you know?
     -Write a sentence ourline of your text
     -What are the points of emphasis in your passage that are highlighted by the structure?
   -Step 2: Composition of text
     -What is the texts specific genre
     -What are the key words in your text and their significance for the text in questions
     -What compositional techniques are employed in the text(eg repeated words, catch phrases, refrains etc)
       -Be sure to show how these techniques are used and why
     -What literary devices are being used (eg inclusio, metaphor, similie, rhetorical question etc)
   -Step 3: context of the text
      -literary: how does the text function in its immediate context
       -how does it function i nthe overall context of the story
     -Historical: how does the sociolofical setting help your understanding of the passage?
        -are there any specific historical facts that have immediate bearing upon the passage?
        -What is the world situation and political setting of this gospel/book


-Research the text
   -Explore secondary sources (books, articles, etc) on your book
   -Determine certain "issues" in your passage based on your research
   -Remember, this is a research paper

-Refine the text (ie your thesis from your original reading of the text)
   -refine your initial reading of the text based on your research
   -also analyze specific scholars with whom you disagree...make sure you have clear reasoning for your disagreement
   -write the outline for your paper

-Communication of the passage
   -this is the synthesis of all of the above work
   -note the identification and summary of motifs highlighted by these features
   -note the "effect" of impact of the combination of genre (or lack or adaption of it), literary devices, and structure

-application of the passage
   -draw theological conclusions based upon the text: what the passage says about God, what the passage says about us as human beings, and what the passafge says about humanity's relation to God. These should be short, concise statements of the theolofical dimensions of the text

-Write the interpretation of the text (your exegetical paper)
   -have an intro in which you clearly state your thesis
   -Interact with your text in order to prove your thesis
   -Interact with the larger context of your passage
   -Interact with scholars and show where you agree and disagree, and for what reasons


Keep this in mind
   -The papers will not be able to show all of the exegetical work and analysis you have done; however, the conclusions should reflect the work
     -put the conclusions in the paper with enough supporting evidence to show how you arrived at the conclusions
     -dont make sweeping statements without showing how you arrived at that conclusion
   -Do not let the papers because simply descriptive
     -i can read what the passage says; i want to know what it means
   -DO NOT INCLUDE INFORMATION THAT DOES NOT HELP COMMUNICATE THE MEANING OF THE PASSAGE
     -for example, the hisotrical background is not important to the meaning of some passages
   -the priomary purpose of exegesis is not to go through an academic exercise; exegesis is not an end in itself but is only a means to an end. it is a tool
   -be aware of your own presuppositions (assumptions) in doing theological exegesis
     -know where you are coming from theologically
   -during the provess of analysis, continually ask yourself questions like this
     -why am i seeing this passage this way?
     -Am i reading my own ideas into the passafe or am i letting is speak on its own?
     -Am i using the passafe to argue my own prejudices or am i allowing the word (and the Word) to confront me with the truth?
     -Am i forcing the passage to speak to an issue that it really does not address?
     -Am i glossing over problems of interpretation simply beacuse i do not really understand the passage?
     -Am i ignoring a particular interpretation because it does not fir within my ideas?
   -The primary rule: Stick to the text! as much as possible, try to hear the text on its own terms

-Research paper is an essay not a report.
   -A report is a presentation of information gleaned from research, whereas an essay is reasoned investigation that makes definite assertions and supports and defends those assertions

-Makes for a good paper
   -Clarity (grammar grammar grammar)
   -Good use of resources
     -Do not just quote from a resource, but interact with it on a critical level
   -Fairness in handling opposing views
   -CONCLUSION BASED ON/DERIVED FROM RESEARCH
   -Written in your own words
     -proper credit is always given to an author when quoting their words, thourghts, or ideas
     -to not give credit to another author's words is plagiariam
     -AVOID PLAGIARISM AT ALL COSTS...IT IS THE DEVIL
     -When in doubt, attribute the words or ideas to the author to be on the safe side
   -use proper english
     -no slang
     -avoid colloquial language
     -do not use contractions (ie dont cant shouldnt)
     -  -all words are to be spelled out
     -Do not make appeals to your reader
     -Do not write in the first person
   -use foornotes
   -make sure you meet the minimum requirements (as outlined in the syllabus)
   -be clear
   -times new roman, double space, 1 in margin, page numbers, check spelling, bibliography