Compare and Contrast the Hermeneutical Approach of 3 Sermons

Comparing and Contrasting the Hermeneutical Approach of 3 Sermons Student’s Name Course Date Hermeneutical Approach of Psalm 23 by Billy Graham Tactically, Billy Graham's explanation of Psalm 23 relies heavily upon pastoral tools, which deal more with spiritual encouragement or relational imagery. He does not engage much with the historical background of this psalm or any of its literary elements, such as the aspect of David's being a shepherd at the same time as king, nor does he make much extended comparisons to other biblical passages. However, Graham does focus on bringing comfort immediately, centering on the personal relationship between God and man, which may not require an academic or critical explanation of the text.[. 108s. “The Psalm 23 | Billy Graham Sermon with Summary - #Billygraham #Gospel #God #Jesus #Christ.” YouTube, February 20, 2023. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mv60BPDpYfA.] Theologically, Graham drives his interpretation of Psalm 23 by centering his thoughts on God as a personal shepherd who protects and guides. His theology is one of a trusting, intimate relationship with God, which forms how he frames the text to invite believers to rest in the God who provides. This is driven by his evangelical perspective, which centers everything on faith, personal salvation, and trust in divine providence. Whether this is positive or neutral depends on the listener's point of view. Some may feel that this theological lens provides much-needed spiritual support. In contrast, others may see it as a partial read that dismisses the text's critical historical and cultural elements.[. ibid] Ethically, Graham interprets Psalm 23 as an imperative to exercise trust in God, particularly when overwhelmed by hardship and fear. He uses the text to remind his listeners of their dependence on divine guidance and provision as the appropriate ethical response to the pressures and uncertainties of life. The implication of this moral dimension comes from how the text presents God as a shepherd who exercises tender care over his flock, leading to a pastoral conclusion where the believer should have a dependent and trusting relationship with God through daily life. This ethical conclusion flows logically from Graham's theological focus on trust and faith.[. 108s. “The Psalm 23 | Billy Graham Sermon with Summary - #Billygraham #Gospel #God #Jesus #Christ.” YouTube, February 20, 2023. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mv60BPDpYfA.] Contextually, Graham's social location as a populist 20th-century American evangelical preacher colors how he reads Psalm 23. Preaching a constituency often struggling with problems of spiritual emptiness and other societal pressures, this emphasis on divine guidance speaks right to the concerns of his context. His interpretation might be seen to limit itself in not critically engaging with the broader theological debates or the text's historical context. His social location allows him to focus on a message of consolation- an appeal to his audience's profound fears and anxieties, explicitly concerning death and uncertainty- with which more dispassionate or academic exegesis might quickly fail to connect.[. ibid] Hermeneutical Approach of Psalm 23 by Andy Longwe Tactically, the interpretive device that Rev. Andy Longwe relies on, as a rule, in his sermon on Psalm 23 is personal application. He constructs the sermon upon arguably the most meaningful phrase, "The Lord is my shepherd," since he connects this text between David and God from a relational perspective. While Longwe invests significant effort into making relevant connections between David's experiences and those of modern-day congregants, he does sidestep historical background and literary aspects. In this way, he cannot give an insi...