The Singing Seven

If you could listen to a group of strange men singing wildly about hermeneutics would you? Freak yeah!

An awkward group of grown men in red and white striped suits with straw hats painted to match belting out a capella songs about the study of the Word. Sweet, sweet soul music. This is what I picture as I crack open the Scriptures and begin the study process on any given day.

Let's meet the barber shop group and get a feel for the role they play:

 - wrote the book/letter/poem
 - is the main character(s)

 - is the reason for the text: letter, parable, poem etc.
 - are the key words, phrases, ideas

 - was the text written
 - did the events in the text take place

 - was the author at time of writing
 - is the main setting for the text

 - is the author writing
 - do they choose the words, phrases, thoughts, etc.

 - does verse relate to the passage...etc.
 - does what is written affect the audience

 - what am I to do with this text, how does it affect me
 - how does this affect my life in Christ


There it is. A non-exhaustive listing of questions to ask yourself when studying the Word. These guys come in handy once you get the hang of asking their opinion on everything you read. The amount of info you're able to pick up simply by adding these to your study habits will greatly increase your comprehension of the living and active Word of God.

Next time you study, put on an Andrew Bird album, make a hot mug o' chamomile-vanilla tea, pull out a nice and thick journal and sing yourself into hermeneutical bliss.
Enjoy.