2.3 Online Forum 1 - Three Worlds Practice
Overview
Last week we learned about the "Three Worlds" approach to interpreting the Bible. You'll be putting that approach into practice in this forum.
Instructions
Choose any pericope (=short selection of text) from Matthew. Then, offer your own initial Three Worlds analysis of that text. In some cases (especially with the Historical World), you may need to ask questions rather than make definitive statements. Use the "Sample Three Worlds Analysis" below to guide your own post.
Sample Three Worlds Analysis on Matthew 6:1-4:
1. Literary World
Matthew 6:1-4 discusses the right way to go about giving alms. The literary world would include discussion of what Jesus is saying and how this text unit is put together in relationship to the rest of the Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5-7). This text fits in the bigger picture of the Sermon as Jesus makes a general principle statement in Matt 6:1 about practicing piety. The alms example is the first of several others. This point focuses on showing devotion to God. In Matthew 5, there is also a bigger assertion (verses XXXXXXXXXXand then examples, but those focus more on showing love to others.
2. Historical World
Readers trying to make sense of the historical world of the passage benefit from knowing what alms and synagogues are, what first century Jewish expectations and practices were regarding alms-giving, and whether people literally blew a trumpet. Does what Jesus say here contrast with common practices or with misguided practices in Judaism in his day?
3. Contemporary World
Today, this text seems to be calling for humility and even anonymity as we help others. Jesus seems to understand this act as one way we show we love God (even though other people benefit). Jesus clearly expects his followers to be giving (he says when not ‘if’ in verse 2).
Initial post of XXXXXXXXXXwords