Kris asks: what is linguistics good for? Here’s what Morrissey has to say:
I’m not quite as pessimistic as Morrissey. I Kris’ question has layers to it. I believe those who engage in exegesis (a group to which I no longer belong) benefit from using resources informed by modern linguistic theory. I believe they would benefit from even more resources of this kind being available.
Moving to the next level, though, do I think those who engage in exegesis would benefit from studying the linguistic theory that may be behind the resources themselves? I think some knowledge is necessary for the sheer reason that it helps to understand one’s tools. But just how much knowledge of linguistics a exegete should seek, I’m not sure.
At any rate, if you have thoughts on the subject, be sure to visit Kris’ post and chat with him over there.