The Application of Narrative Criticism in Biblical interpretation

Narrative criticism is a literary approach to interpret the Bible. Since 1970s, narrative criticism has been developed within the field of biblical studies. Narrative criticism was formed in an atmosphere which historical-critical approach was dominant in biblical studies. Despite its advantages, the historical-critical approach focused on how the Scripture was written and transferred rather than the text itself. However, narrative criticism attempted to dismiss the formation history of the Scripture and concentrate on the Scripture itself. Narrative criticism is inherently text-centered and tries to achieve the meaning through certain mechanisms. These mechanism origins in the text itself and can be hypothetical like implied author/reader. Narrative criticism is based on narrative theory. In pursuance of analyzing the Scripture, narrative criticism, applies narrative devices such as narrator, point of view, characterization, plot and settings. Similar to any method, narrative criticism has its own pros and cons. Some of the advantages rooted in its text-centered feature. Whereas, its narrative nature is the origin of other advantages. Although, there are specific limitations and objections to narrative criticism. Some of the objections question the legitimacy of applying the narrative criticism while the others consider it inefficient. Narrative criticism is an approach, which can complement historical-critical approaches and presents novel exegesis of the Bible.