Honoring the author of a text requires first attempting to understand what the author intended to
say. Consequently, readers who adopt hermeneutical approaches that preclude the
possibility of reading for authorial intent are disrespectful to authors. But courtesy
to authors also requires evaluating
what they have said (always leaving open the possibility that you have
misunderstood them). Are the author’s assertions and claims important and true?
Are the author’s suggestions and instructions useful and beneficial? Are the
author’s assurances and promises reliable and constructive? Are the author’s
questions interesting and thought-provoking? In short, have the author’s literary
goals been fulfilled?
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