The paper assesses the role of our hermeneutical orientations in the task of exegesis by focusing specifically on the Tri-Polar exegetical framework developed by Jonathan Draper. In conjunction with the Critical Theory of the Frankfurt School and other Marxist-influenced theory, the paper then tries to articulate more coherently what the stage of appropriation constitutes and what impact this potentially has socially. In light of the volatile political climate existing presently in South Africa, as well as rising globalisation and consumerism, the paper poses the question of whether the bible can contribute substantially to the formation of a critical social fabric within society. The paper assesses the role of our hermeneutical orientations in the task of exegesis by focusing specifically on the Tri-Polar exegetical framework developed by Jonathan Draper. In conjunction with the Critical Theory of the Frankfurt School and other Marxist-influenced theory, the paper then tries to articulate more coherently what the stage of appropriation constitutes and what impact this potentially has socially. In light of the volatile political climate existing presently in South Africa, as well as rising globalisation and consumerism, the paper poses the question of whether the bible can contribute substantially to the formation of a critical social fabric within society.