Interpreting ‘The Exile’ In African Biblical Scholarship: An Ideo-Theological Dilemma In Post-Colonial South Africa

Abstract

This chapter analyses how and with what we connect biblical text and local present context in the process of interpretation. What has emerged has been recognition that it is useful to identify a third pole in the interpretive process besides the poles of context and text. This third pole is usually suppressed in favour of a bi-polar model of interpretation. However, identifying a third pole helps us to be honest about the reader and his/ her ideo-theological work that goes on in the interpretive act. The ongoing process of re-reading scripture from within our social locations also constantly reconstitutes our ideo-theological orientation. Biblical scholarship does not always cooperate with socially engaged biblical scholars. The exile is a particularly good example at this moment in (South) Africas history.Keywords: African biblical scholarship; exile; ideo-theological orientation; post-colonial south africa; third pole