Abstract:
Working within the reader perspective approach to biblical hermeneutics, a recent series of
empirical studies has tested the theory that the readers’ psychological type preferences
between sensing and intuition (perceiving functions) and between feeling and thinking
(judging functions) shape distinctive readings of biblical texts. This study advances the debate
by distinguishing between the two orientations within which the functions are expressed
(introverted and extraverted). The added clarity offered by this refinement is illustrated by the
distinctive voices of introverted intuition and introverted sensing engaging with the Matthean
Beatitudes, eight verses rich in materials to engage the perceiving functions.
Description:
This research is part of the
research project, ‘Biblical
Theology and Hermeneutics’,
directed by Prof. Dr Andries
van Aarde, Post Retirement
Professor and Senior
Research Fellow in the Dean’s
Office, Faculty of Theology
and Religion, University of
Pretoria.
