Semiotics.

Part of the science of Semiotics is the investigation of intention.

That is: why a particular piece of writing or communication was created in the way that it was - what influences or customs were present and how these contributed to the construction of meaning.

This can be applied to any piece of writing including scripture.

It also applies to music, lyrics, gestures, and art.

It is not intended to destroy meaning but to inform meaning.

And so by investigating intention we can gain a richer understanding of our heritage.

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