Scriptural Realism: A Theo-Theoretical Framework for a Scripture-Governed Ontology, Epistemology, and Research Paradigm in Biblical Research Studies

Abstract

The current structure of epistemic authority is dominated by three classical philosophical traditions, such as empiricism, rationalism, and constructivism, which have shaped modern research paradigms, including theology and biblical studies. These paradigms often operate independently of divine revelation, treating Scripture as secondary data, while non-Scripture-governed literature and methodologies function as primary interpretive authority. The purpose of this study is to develop Scriptural Realism as a theo-theoretical framework for constructing a Scripture-governed ontology, epistemology, and research paradigm within Biblical Research Studies. The paper argues that Scriptural Realism, as proposed in this study, asserts that reality is objectively created and sustained by God, partially accessible through general revelation, but fully and authoritatively known through divine revelation as inscripturated in Scripture and interpreted Christocentrically. The study avers that while secular research paradigms such as empiricism, rationalism, and constructivism offer partial accounts of knowledge, they remain insufficient for theological inquiry due to their exclusion of divine revelation as epistemic authority. The research argues for a reconfiguration of these foundational constructs under the authority of Scripture, proposing that reality (ontology) is God-defined, knowledge (epistemology) is divinely revealed, and research paradigms must be faith-governed. The research adopts a Scripture-governed methodology, employing Scriptural Review as its primary methodological tool, together with exegetical and conceptual analysis. It concludes that Scriptural Realism provides a coherent, Christocentric, and revelation-governed framework in which ontology, epistemology, and methodology are unified under Scripture as the final interpretive authority.