Orthodoxy, Orthopraxy, and Research

Answer

The Relationship between Biblical Exegesis, Orthodoxy, Orthopraxy, and Research

Exegesis means explanation or exposition. Therefore, biblical exegesis involves examination of a given text scripture to effectively interpret it. Biblical exegesis presents a set of principles used in coming up with good interpretation. Orthodoxy is adherence to the correct teachings outlined in religion. It involves conformity to Christianity as outlined in the early church.  Orthopraxy, on the other hand, refers to correct practice or behavior. Orthopraxy guides Christians on how to behave, act and perform. Biblical exegesis plays an important role in establishing the relationship between orthodoxy, orthopraxy and research. This paper examines the role of biblical exegesis in the relationship between the three mentioned concepts (orthodoxy, orthopraxy and research). Further, it discusses how theology impacts on the findings of the research.

Role Biblical Exegesis in the Relationship between, Orthodoxy, Orthopraxy, and Research

Religion encompasses two things; belief and practice. To understand the correct belief and practice, researchers must apply the principles of biblical exegesis to come up with a good interpretation. Biblical exegesis provides hermeneutic tools for theological researchers to carry out an in-depth and inductive examination of the scriptures in both orthodox and orthopraxy way (Tuckett, 2008). Theological researchers must apply biblical exegesis to establish a relationship between orthodoxy and orthopraxy in a way that meets the criteria of the research. It also offers guidelines that aid theological researchers in establishing the relationship between the concepts of practice and belief in a religion

Biblical exegesis helps to establish the link between orthopraxy and orthodoxy. Evaluating this relationship, the hermeneutic tools can be used in understanding James discussion on God’s word in chapter 1; the "Implanted word". In this Chapter, James outlines that the "doers of the word and not hearers only” (James 1:22, NKJV). We then use the tools provided by biblical exegesis to interpret that a person who hears the word but does not obey deceives himself. Believing and adherence to correct teachings is not enough, but one must practice what they believe in. therefore, a true belief (Orthodoxy) is reflected in the right practice and behavior (Orthopraxy). (James 1:22).

Examining and exposing that Orthodoxy is not enough, biblical exegesis outlines that orthodoxy must be followed with orthopraxy. In other words, belief must be followed with practice. James asserts that "If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, the person's religion is worthless' (James 1:27). Using the hermeneutic tools to interpret this, one can conclude that believing without practice is worthless and false. In other words, orthodoxy and orthopraxy, though seeming to be on the opposite sides, are one thing for true believers. Talking about partiality using the example of poor people and rich people; people need to understand that all people should be treated with mutual respect and equality. There is no good principle that cannot be reflected into actions, therefore orthodoxy must be reflected in the orthopraxy. In simple terms, biblical exegesis plays an essential role in understanding the relationship between orthodoxy and orthopraxy. Nonetheless, the hermeneutic tools provided by biblical exegesis enables theological researchers to underhand the relationship between belief and practice (Tie, 2012). Without these tools, people would either believe or practice. However, through examination and evaluation of the concepts, we understand that believers should also practice. Biblical exegesis is both a mediator and a moderator. First, it examines the relationship between these concepts. Secondly, it outlines the importance of the two holding together. Belief or practice should not be on the extreme of the other. Therefore, it mediates and moderates.

Mitigating Personal Assumptions in Orthodoxy and Orthopraxy Research

One of the effective ways of conducting research in Orthodoxy and Orthopraxy is by reducing personal biases. Personal biases affect the outcome of the research. To come up with appropriate findings, theological researchers must find ways of evaluating and examining the practices, beliefs and aspects of Orthodoxy and Orthopraxy rather than depending on personal beliefs about a particular belief or practice. A researcher should consider the long-run interpretation of the two concepts. The interpretation should depend on the available evidence and information and not what the researchers feel or think about a particular concept. A right attitude is an essential tool for conducting theological research.  A good theological study will have negative or positive results depending on the attitudes of the research. A negative attitude about a given religious concept for example orthodoxy or orthopraxy should not be part of the researcher's objective. Nonetheless, a researcher should develop a positive attitude, examine and evaluate a given religious concept to come up with valid findings. Developing a positive attitude reduces the influence of personal assumption. Besides, it enables theological researchers to come up with an interpretation that reflect the biblical values and personal values.

Before making judgments on religious practices and beliefs, it is critical for a researcher to apply biblical exegesis in their work. Rather than depending on personal biases, biblical exegesis provides essential tools for examination and evaluation of religious beliefs and practices. Therefore, researchers should understand the bible and use the tools outlined by the bible to come up with appropriate results on orthodoxy and orthopraxy. 

Contemporary Theology vs. Orthodox Theology in Research

Contemporary theology involves the study of theology from the times of the post-World War to now. Unlike orthodox theology which is based on the correct teachings, the results of the contemporary theory are more inclusive and dynamic (Toroczkai, 2015).  Using assumptions of contemporary theory the findings of the research will encompass the intellectual challenges of theology. In other words, such findings include the dimensions of social issues, science, and religious practices. The findings based on contemporary assumptions will not only dwell in the Bible but include both scientific and social concept of religion. In simpler terms, studies based on contemporary assumptions produces diverse findings that relate religion to the modern world. As a result, the results of contemporary theory encompasses naturalistic causality, by extension appreciating the role of science in the understanding of God. It also appreciates the scriptural writings, doctrines and emphasizing on the value of religion and ethics in life. The orthodox assumptions, however, leads to findings which are characterized by monotheistic and Trinitarianism. These results are more of the traditional concept of incarceration rather than including the scientific and social concepts of religion (Oddie, 2010).

Theology affects research from a broader perspective.  A particular belief in the nature of God may form part of the researcher's decision. A researcher who adopts a contemporary theology appreciates the role of social sciences in theology (Allen & Springsted, n.d.). The researcher is not just ordained to the ministry, but considers other components of the church. Findings of contemporary theology research consider the concrete proposals of restricting the church depending on the changes in society. A research based on orthodox theology concentrates on the traditional nature of God rather than appreciating the role of social sciences. Its findings are likely to be rigid in support of the traditional beliefs of the church.

Conclusion

Biblical exegesis is an essential concept of learning and understanding religion. Biblical exegesis plays an essential role in mediating Orthodoxy and orthopraxy by in sighting how the two that belief (orthodoxy) and practice (orthopraxy) complements each other. Therefore, Christians should not just believe, but practice what they believe as well. Biblical exegesis provides a set of principles that guide researchers in evaluating and examining various religious concepts. A particular belief in the nature of God may influence the researcher's decision on a religious aspect. However, a researcher who is guided by an in-depth biblical understanding is likely to produce reliable findings. Personal assumption and theology (Contemporary or orthodox) also have impacts on theological research. Nonetheless, research that considers insight biblical examination and the social-scientific concepts produce more reliable findings.