The methods for the interpretation of Scripture, called “Scriptural Exegesis,” have gone through numerous changes throughout the ages. Disputes arose early in the Church between those favoring a literalist interpretation and those favoring a more allegorical or “spiritual” interpretation method.[i] It is very obvious that some passages of the Sacred text simply cannot be taken completely literally. On the other hand, it seemed reasonable to assume that those passages dealing with historical events should be given a literal interpretation. There have always been those, however, who have attempted to give, even to those elements of Scripture that seem obviously symbolic, a radically literal interpretation and those who would give even the simplest event in the Scriptures a radically spiritual explanation.
Through the majority of Church history, theology was an outgrowth of exegesis, and the Scriptures were interpreted according to those theological principles. Exegesis was done, primarily, by the clergy and even university theologians were usually priests. Their interpretations were then conveyed to the laity by parish priests. So the Scriptures aided in the development of theology and theology aided in the interpretation of Scripture. Without the Teaching Authority of the Magisterium and Sacred Tradition, one cannot properly interpret Sacred Scripture.[ii]
Patmos Chronicle 