Exegesis- Text 2

Professor Gilbert Van Belle explains in “Tradition, Exegetical Formation, and the Leuven
Hypothesis” his point of view about the future of biblical exegesis. He starts with the explanation
that an exegete is influenced by many factors (from his personal belief to the type of faculty where
he followed the courses and his personal experience in this field of research.
In this work, Van Belle will discuss about the influence of Neirynck s work on the exegetical tradition field
at KU Leuven and about so called "Leuven Hypothesis" on the Gospel of John. He also expose the three
main characteristics of an exegete. The document "the interppretation of the Bible in the Chruch has a
great meaning for the future of the Chatolic biblichal theology.
An exegete has three main roles to meet which influence the way in which the Bible is explained. At KU
Leuven, the historical-critical method is the main way of approaching the biblical studies.
From a believer point of view, The Bible is seen as the Word of God. For Chatolic Church, it is necessary to
be aware of tradition as a source of theological reflexion in biblical exegesis. Also, from the statute of a
believer, the exegete have to be sure that the content of the Bible is transmitted as authentic as possible.
An exegete must be aware of the fact that the need of dialogue is a reality and to be very well prepeared
intellectually. As part of this dialogue, KU Leuven has published constantly the latest research in the
domain to make them accessible to the vast public.
Van Belle thinks that because of the secularization there are some major changes in this field of study. The
importance of biblical studies has decreased because of the position that the society has upon religion.
Such courses of exegesis are not aviable at many faculties. Moreover, the study of the Bible in the Church
context itself has a secondary importance and the academic context may be even hostile to the
community of catolics. Also, there is a deficit of interest in ancient languages which is thightly bound of
biblical studies.
To be ensured that the Church will be able to respond to the questions that the society keep arise, the
exegete has to be aware of for main issues. He has to be well prepared philologically and to provide a
quality research. Van Belle consider that the historical- critical method is the most usefull way of
interpretation.
Also, there is a need of integrated research, for example as KU leuven is using the biblichal studies in
other domains of theology.
Exegets have to be aware of the constant changes that occurs in society and has to consider them to
make the Bible relevat and accessible for the rest of the people. They has to explain that the Bible is not
only a book, but a treasury of faith.
Van Belle is also focusing on the Gospel of John and the position of the Leuven school about it. Frans
Neirynck and Maurits Sabbe applied the historical-critical method to study the Gospel of John. Both of
them argued if John used the Synoptic Gospels as main sources.
The fact that the Gospel of John has Synoptic influences was named as Leuven Hypothesis.
Two of Nierynck s doctoral students followed six main guidelines in formation to the leuven Hypothesis.
For Nierynck, the Gospel of John is a theological work. John theologycally interpretate the life and the
teaching of Jesus. The focus on the evangelist s text is of a great importance. The presence of aporias in
the Gospel may indicate the usage of different sources and maybe his own thoughts.
Despite of using the synoptic sources, John showed a great freedom of creation which is also visible when
he is using the Old Testament.
John's uniqueness is reflected in the material which is not found in the Synoptic Gospels and attest his
theologycal way of thinking.
Also, the author's unique language and style does not necessary attest that he has used special sources,
those depending on his way of thinking.
Van Belle believes that the language and style used by John are very well integrated, this leading to the
imposibility of inspiration from another sources than the Synoptics. Moreover, the whole Gospel is a
testimony of faith that Jesus truly is the Messiah. Van Belle thinks that the historical tradition in the Fourth
Gospel can not be denied but also can not be proven.
In his opinion the biblical studies has to conform to the demand of science. For him, this implies using of
historical-critical method but in a wide way which implies other methodological approaches.