Textual Indeterminacy and Determinacy: Klaus Berger's History-of-Effect Hermeneutic (Luke 9:57-62)

Abstract

This article analyzes the Lucan discipleship text (Luke 9:57-62) using Klaus Berger's history-of-effect (wirkungsgeschtliche) hermeneutic. After reviewing the text's reception history and Berger's rhetorical approach, it is argued that Berger's history-of-effect hermeneutic explains both why and how Luke 9:57-62 has had a consistent impact within Christian reading communities. The consistent reception is attributed to the teleological orientation of the text's rhetorical strategy as well as to the location of the meaning-center between text and reader. The resulting effect is both indeterminate and determinate. This dual character explains why the text can be experienced in flexible uniformity with its formative situation.

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