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'''Hermeneutics''' (from Greek ''hermeneutikos'') is the interpretation of a text, particularly the text of [[Holy Scripture]]. The word literally means "interpretation" (in its basic sense, interpreting a foreign language into one familiar to the listener) but can also refer to "explanation." It is this latter sense which is meant when referring to Biblical hermeneutics. In the [[Orthodox Church|Orthodox Christian Church]], the practice of hermeneutics is according to basic principles (presuppositions) which are manifest in the life of the Church. Following is a summary of those principles, expressed here in ten parts:

== Orthodox Hermeneutic Principles ==

1. '''God is real and is incarnated in our [[Lord]] Jesus Christ.''' Everything pertaining to the Scriptures must be understood [[Christology|Christologically]]. [[Jesus Christ]], the incarnate Second Person of the [[Holy Trinity]], is the center of all that we as Christians do, and being Himself the very Truth, He is the only gate through which we may enter into understanding of the Bible, both [[Old Testament|Old]] and [[New Testament]]s (though not all that is contained in the Old Testament is directly relevant for Christians). The Bible ultimately is about Christ and assists us in our union with Him.

== Sources ==

Originally based on notes taken in Archpriest [[Michael Dahulich]]'s Fall 2004 class on the ''Pentateuch'' at [[St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary (South Canaan, Pennsylvania)|St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary]] by [[User:ASDamick]]

[[Category:Church History]]

[[Category:Scripture]]