Preconceived Ideas And Presuppositions

Presupposition can be defined as a preconceive thought concerning a particular subject or discussion. However, this process can hinder the enhancement of the individual’s biblical interpretation because of what he/she have predetermined is correct. Our mental development is created at an early stage from voices of people that have penetrated our thought process that assist us in determining what is right or wrong. Klein suggests, “No one interprets anything without a set of underlying assumptions, when we presume to explain the meaning of the Bible, we do so with a set of preconceived ideas or presuppositions.1 I argue that our presuppositions are our standards which determines our morals and values, yet we drink deeply at the well of rational methods and seek to exegete each passage with integrity, accuracy, and sincerity.2 Therefore, as interpreters we must discover, state, and consciously adopt those assumptions we agree with
One may think that preunderstandings and presuppositions are the same, yet Dr. L. Percer stated that presuppositions is the format for which we use to understand biblical interpretation, and preunderstandings is how we view life. Klein inserts, “Preunderstandings may be defined as a body of assumptions and attitudes which a person brings to perception.”4 When it comes to understanding biblical text interpretation, our culture or how we were raised is a determining factor. Most Americans considered themselves to be Christians because they were raised in a Christian environment and not because of any deliberate choice on their part. Most Christians have not objectively investigated or looked extensively into the history of their own religion.5 Benjamin Franklin proclaim, “Most men indeed, as well as most sects in religion, think themselves in possession of all truth, and that wherever others differ from them, it is so far