Trajectory hermeneutics is an approach to biblical interpretation that considers the overall direction or trajectory of thought within the Bible on a particular issue. The basic premise is that while the Bible was written over many centuries by different authors in different cultural contexts, there is an overarching message and unfolding purpose in Scripture. As God progressively revealed His plan of salvation, certain practices and perspectives were challenged and reformed to align more fully with God’s ideals. Trajectory hermeneutics examines this redemptive trajectory within the Bible and seeks to apply its principles to ethical issues today.
This method stands in contrast to a “flat Bible” approach that treats all passages as equally authoritative and applicable. It recognizes that some instructions or practices were specific to a certain time and place, while others represent transcendent values that persist throughout Scripture. Slavery, for example, was assumed and regulated in much of the Bible yet challenged by the ethic of love and human dignity woven through the biblical narrative. Trajectory hermeneutics sees Scripture moving away from slavery and towards ever-greater justice and equality. It tries to follow this spirit, rather than simply repeating outdated cultural practices that the Bible itself seems to repudiate.
Some key aspects of a trajectory hermeneutic include:
- Focusing on the overall sweep of Scripture rather than isolated proof texts
- Looking at the values and principles behind biblical passages, not just surface commands
- Seeing God’s revelation as progressive, not static; context-specific instructions may not be universal
- Discerning which directions of thought are ascending within Scripture and which are fading
- Highlighting countercultural and prophetic voices that challenge the status quo
- Applying the Bible’s forward-moving ethic to contemporary issues
This interpretive model is often applied to issues of social justice and human rights. For example, it sees an ascending biblical concern for protecting the vulnerable, affirming human dignity, and overcoming prejudices based on race, class, or gender. While ancient societies often did not live up to these ideals, later biblical authors increasingly called for a higher standard that better reflects God’s heart of justice and compassion. Trajectory hermeneutics upholds these prophetic voices and follows their spirit into the present.
Critics argue this approach risks minimizing the authority of Scripture, subjectively choosing some texts over others. But proponents believe it takes seriously the historical development and contextual nature of the Bible. It does not simply ignore or edit problematic passages; it tries to interpret them in light of Scripture’s whole redemptive movement. The goal is faithfulness to the Bible’s ultimate moral trajectory, which consistently moves humanity toward greater justice, mercy, and love.
In summary, trajectory hermeneutics is an interpretive approach that sees Scripture unfolding progressively in a certain direction. It tries to apply the ethical spirit of the overall biblical narrative, not just isolated verses. This perspective continues to generate meaningful insights and vigorous debate as the church discerns how to live out biblical values in changing cultural contexts.
Old Testament Trajectories
Several trajectories can be traced through the Old Testament that provide insight into God’s unfolding purpose and ethical priorities. Here are some key examples:
Monotheism
The Old Testament moves from polytheism and henotheism toward an increasingly strong monotheistic belief in one true God. Passages affirming monolatry or even references to other gods gradually give way to clear declarations that the Lord alone is God (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 44:6). This trajectory elevates Yahweh as supreme and rejects idolatry.
Justice
God’s passion for justice ascends throughout the Old Testament, from protecting slaves and foreigners to calling leaders to act justly. The prophets boldly rebuke oppression and hypocrisy, privileging justice above empty ritual. God ultimately desires shalom – right relationships and social wholeness.
Inclusion
While maintaining Israel’s unique identity, the Old Testament increasingly envisions God’s salvation extending to all nations. Isaiah announces a coming servant who will be “a light to the Gentiles” (Isaiah 42:6; 49:6), and the book of Jonah challenges narrow nationalism. God’s people are called to be agents of blessing to the world.
Nonviolence
As Israel moves from conquest to kingdom to exile, the divine warrior imagery of early texts is ultimately replaced by promises of a Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6-7). Swords are envisioned being beaten into plowshares as God’s future kingdom reflects the values of shalom (Micah 4:3).
Resurrection
While not fully formed, hope in future resurrection emerges in later Old Testament texts like Daniel 12:2-3 and Isaiah 25:6-9. This trajectory sets the stage for the New Testament’s full teaching on resurrection and eternal life.
New Testament Trajectories
Jesus’ life and teaching carry the Old Testament trajectories forward in dramatic new ways. Here are some key ethical trajectories in the New Testament:
Nonviolence
Jesus calls his followers to love enemies, turn the other cheek, and overcome evil with good (Matthew 5:38-48; 26:52). The church is to use spiritual weapons to conquer evil’s hold on hearts (Ephesians 6:10-18). The trajectory heads decisively away from violence.
Forgiveness
A spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation supersedes lex talionis justice. Jesus models radical grace and commands his followers to forgive without limit (Matthew 18:21-22). Paul urges believers to overcome evil with good and leave room for God’s wrath (Romans 12:17-21).
Inclusion
Jesus scandalously includes women, children, sinners, outsiders, and outcasts. Paul affirms that in Christ there is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female (Galatians 3:28). Barriers that divide are superseded by Christ’s unifying love.
Generosity
Jesus elevates mercy over religious sacrifice (Matthew 12:7), modeling self-giving love. His followers are to give freely and generously (Matthew 10:8), unencumbered by wealth (Matthew 19:21). God cares deeply for the poor and vulnerable.
Equality
The early church breaks down social divisions. Women hold prominent roles (Acts 18:26; Romans 16:1-2), and an ethnically diverse fellowship shares goods in common (Acts 4:32-35). In Christ, human dignity is lifted up.
Nonliteralism
Jesus goes beyond surface meanings to the heart motivations behind commands (Matthew 5:21-30). Purity codes give way to ethical principles focused on harm and justice. Letter gives way to spirit as new wine bursts old wineskins.
Applying Trajectory Hermeneutics
When applied faithfully, a trajectory hermeneutic can shed light on many ethical issues. It provides principles and posture more than definitive answers. Here are some brief examples of how it might be applied:
Gender Equality
While containing patriarchal cultural elements, the Bible’s overall trajectory endorses mutuality and the full humanity of women made in God’s image. Elevating principles of justice and dignity can inform how we apply texts on women’s roles.
Environmental Ethics
Though not directly addressed, respect for life and God’s creation undergirds a biblical ethic of stewardship and sustainability. Our treatment of the earth can reflect biblical values of love, justice, and interdependence.
LGBTQ Relations
A handful of texts condemn specific same-sex acts, but the Bible’s overarching emphasis is loving others without prejudice. We can ask how church responses align with Jesus’ posture of radical welcome to marginalized groups.
Racial Reconciliation
A trajectory of breaking down ethnic barriers culminates in Revelation’s multiethnic vision (7:9). Efforts toward racial justice and unity carry this forward. Believers are called to lead the way.
Economic Justice
Concern for the vulnerable and sharing resources run throughout Scripture. Principles of economic dignity, mutual care, and sufficiency for all can guide responses to inequality and poverty.
In each case, the interpreter seeks the redemptive spirit and moral priorities that Scripture reveals over time. This may lead to countercultural perspectives as the church navigates its calling in society. Trajectory hermeneutics equips Christians to apply God’s word to the complexities of life today.
Critiques and Concerns
Trajectory hermeneutics has been critiqued on theological and methodological grounds. Here are some common concerns:
Minimizing biblical authority
Some argue that this approach relativizes commands deemed cultural or regressive. It risks letting contemporary values override Scripture’s clear teaching.
Subjectivity
Identifying trajectories inevitably involves selectivity shaped by one’s own social location. This approach has been accused of projecting current ideologies onto the Bible rather than submitting to its message.
Reductionism
Focusing only on redemptive trajectories may ignore other themes and flatten the Bible’s diverse voices into a simplistic arc. The unity of Scripture can be overemphasized.
Anachronism
Reading ancient texts through modern ideals of progress fails to appreciate the cultural distance between biblical and contemporary values. There are dangers in transposing modern concerns onto ancient writings.
These concerns highlight real risks in applying trajectory hermeneutics. At the same time, all interpretation involves wrestling with how God’s word speaks across cultural distance and change. Trajectory hermeneutics offers one principled model for this task, though it must be employed critically and self-reflectively.
Conclusion
Trajectory hermeneutics seeks the ethical spirit and direction of Scripture in order to translate biblical values faithfully into new contexts. It pays close attention to redemptive movements in applying God’s word to complex issues. This interpretive model sparked vigorous debate, and when used carefully provides an important tool for the church’s discernment. At its best, trajectory hermeneutics upholds the authority of Scripture by pursuing its ultimate moral vision of shalom. It offers wisdom for living into God’s hope of justice, healing, and wholeness.
