Theology and science as a Pentecostal hermeneutical approach to the Genesis creation narrative

Abstract

Two hermeneutical methods inform the Pentecostal reading of the Bible: the fundamentalist literalist reading and the Pentecostal hermeneutics of experience. These two positions in Bible reading among Pentecostals have contributed to the literal and experiential reading of the Genesis creation narrative in tracing human origins and somehow caused a rejection of other scientific approaches. This article proposes the theological and scientific approach to the Genesis creation narrative on human origin to play a meaningful role on this subject rather than become suspicious of science. To achieve this, the hermeneutical methods of Pentecostal reading of the Bible are introduced and discussed accordingly. The Genesis creation narrative is reflected upon using literature review in qualitative research and exegesis of Genesis 1:26–27 (first narrative) and Genesis 2:7 (second narrative). The aim is to generate the Pentecostal understanding of this narrative within the context of Pentecostal hermeneutics. In addition, the gaps that exist in the Pentecostal hermeneutics are highlighted. The theology and science approach is introduced to fill these gaps; and to demonstrate that it is relevant for challenging existing creationist theories.

Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This article suggests that the Pentecostal hermeneutical approaches to the Genesis creation narrative on human origins within theological studies can be enhanced by other scientific approaches in an interdisciplinary way.