An Academic TfTD

Here is an academic TfTD complete with typo-graphical errors.  This explanation preceded our Bible Study on Rev. 6:1&2 and it regards our approach to interpreting Scripture.

Hermeneutics is the theory and methodology of interpretation,especially the interpretation of biblical texts, wisdom literature, and philosophical texts. The primary need for a system of hermeneutics is to ascertain the meaning of the Word of God. Without a correct method, error is going to be the result.While different methods have been used over the course of history, there are two methods that have a vital effect on the subject of Eschatology. One is the allegorical method and one is the literal method.  
The definition of the allegoridal method = Any statement of supposed facts which admits of a literal intepretation, and yet requires or justly admits a moral or figurative one, is called an Allegory. Ramm deines the allegorical method as a method of interpreting a literary text that regards the literal sense as the vehicle for a secondary, more spiritual and more profound sense.” In this method the historical import is either denied or ignored and the emphasis is placed entirely on a secondary sense so that the original words or events have little or no significance. Fritsch summarizes is this way:

“According to this method the literal and historical sense of Scripture is completely ignored, and every word and event is made an allegory of some kind either to escap theological difficulties or to maintain peculiar religious views…’
Under this definition allegory often perverts the true meaning of Scripture, under the guise of seeking a deeper or more spiritual meaning. In the allegorical method the Scriptures ceases to be the basis of authority. In our Bible study when we have issues and questions I always refer back to the Scriptures asking, “What does the Scriptures say and what does it mean?” Because I think that the correct method of study is by using the next method of approach to Scripture and that is the literal method.
The literal method
The literal method is what some call the grammatical-historical method.  

A definition of the literal method = The literal method is that method that gives to each word the same exact meaning it would have in normal, ordinary, customary usage, whether employed in writing, speaking or thinking. Dr. Ramm defines that method thusly:

“The customary, socially-acknowledged designaiton of a word is the literal meaning of that word.The “literal” meaning of a word is the basic, customary, social designation of that word. To interpret literally meanings nothing more or less than to interpret in terms of normal, usual, designation.In the 21st century when I say that it is raining cats and dogs, what is the normal, usual, designation?The normal customary usage in the 21st century means that it is raining hard and that is the literal method.If I say, “Regine was fuming, what is the normal, usual, designation?” It means that she was intensly angry or upset and that is the literal meaning. So, with that in mind, we revist Revelations Chapter 6.