Interplay Between the Bible and Culture: A Path to Sound Biblical Hermeneutics in an African Context

Abstract

This paper explores the relationship between the Bible and culture in enhancing a relevant Interpretation of the Scripture. The biblical events did not exist in a vacuum but within a cultural context depicted by the languages and customs employed. Hence, Biblical Interpretation cannot be done in a cultural vacuum; the Bible's content and the reader's context are shaped by specific cultural dynamics, which cannot be avoided in achieving sound biblical hermeneutics. The study examines the Bible as a product of Ancient Near Eastern and Greco-Roman cultures while addressing how contemporary interpreters' cultural backgrounds influence their understanding of the biblical text. The study advocates a balanced approach to encourage a more contextualised biblical hermeneutic. This involves distinguishing between cultural norms specific to the ancient world and the universal theological teachings that transcend their original settings. The paper analyses fundamental hermeneutical principles, such as historical-critical methods, cultural exegesis, and contextual theology, to provide tools for separating cultural aspects of the Bible from its core messages. The paper argues that recognising the interplay between the Bible and culture is essential for a transformative reading that remains true to its original intent while relevant to diverse audiences in contemporary settings.