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1. Senses of ScriptureThe term literal sense denotes the meaning of a written text to be discovered by means of interpretation (see Hermeneutics); it is derived from Latin  sensus litteralis. In addition the term suggests the doctrine of the multiple senses of Scripture developed by the fathers of the Christian church. This doctrine reflects the basic assumption that besides (1) the “literal” or “historical sense” ( sensus litteralis or  historicus), which is understood as a narrative ( narratio) of actual events in the past (e.g. Jerusalem as a historical city), ther…

1. Definition and characteristicsLiteracy denotes all forms of the use of writing, and the production and reading of printed and unprinted texts. Orality includes all forms of spoken communication, which are also characterized by fundamental qualities and potentials.A former paradigm of cultural anthropology held that the knowledge of the past, the secure storage of information and knowledge (see below, 4.), full-fledged bureaucratic government, and individual self-reflection were only possible through the written word. Accordin…