Challenging Bible questions often fall under several theological and scholarly terms:
- Exegetical Questions: These involve the interpretation of specific biblical texts. Exegesis is the critical explanation or interpretation of a text, especially a religious text.
- Hermeneutical Questions: These pertain to the methods and principles used in interpreting the Bible. Hermeneutics involves understanding the historical, cultural, and literary contexts of biblical passages.
- Theological Questions: These are broader questions that relate to the nature of God, humanity, sin, salvation, and other core doctrines. The question about “sin not unto death” touches on theological issues related to sin and forgiveness.
- Doctrinal Questions: These involve the teachings and beliefs held by a particular Christian tradition or denomination. Different traditions may have varying interpretations of certain biblical passages.
- Apologetical Questions: These questions often seek to defend or explain Christian beliefs and practices, sometimes in response to criticism or skepticism.
- Textual Criticism: This term refers to the scholarly study of biblical manuscripts to determine the most accurate text. Questions about variations in manuscripts and their implications fall under this category.
- Eschatological Questions: These involve end-times events and the ultimate destiny of humanity. While the specific question about “sin not unto death” is not directly eschatological, it can touch on issues of final judgment and eternal destiny.
Each of these terms represents a different approach to understanding and answering complex questions about the Bible.