There is indubitably an intimate interaction with the texts of the Judeo-Christian Scriptures for works of theological significance. But in this age of profound historical-critical exegesis (cf. critical-realist readings), one might find it increasingly difficult to find HC readings and spiritual readings of scripture commensurable. While this issue is one that has intrigued me for some time, it was recently reinvigorated and given a new framework in a conversation with a friend (C. Schmitz).
The question I am (presently) concerned with is the following: in writing a work of theological value, using the scriptures of the Judeo-Christian religion(s), must one find her/himself reading from either an HC or spiritual (e.g., allegorical, tropological, anagogical) locus? Thoughts?
I know I need to keep grounded in both sides of the question. There is a Church to serve and I must bring words of life to this Body. That needs my hard work in the HC area, but ALSO in the spiritual reading aspect. My work and my goals are trending more toward a “practical” theology because there is the Church to consider. I can’t write to impress other theologians. (Never could, so I don’t why I would ever try.
)
Dan
Dan,
You make a point here with which I’m also concerned, and I (seriously) thought about titling this post “Reading Scripture & Doing Theology”. I presuppose that the theologian is first and foremost in the service of the church, consequently, all work should be work for the church. I’m sure a little autobiographical information would be important here, which I’m sure you know, but others may not. Briefly, most of the work I’ve done is in the realm of HC exegesis, or systematic/philosophical theology. One thing with which I’ve struggled, however, is reading scripture for any devotional/spiritual purposes. But what I’m wanting to get to with all of this is a reading of scripture in which HC and spiritual readings are recognized as commensurable. One thing I’ve noticed at NCU is that when students begin to think within the framework of the HC method they often lose their appreciation for spiritual reading; I understand why this is the case, and I’m right with them in this struggle. But I don’t think it is necessary for this to be the case. What I want to do is present a framework in which we can understand the commensurability of these two readings. Before getting too redundant, I will just say that this is one of the ideas I have for the upcoming conference.
Also,
Good to see you at SPS. Wish we could have chatted a bit more there, but let’s get together soon, I’ve been thinking a bit about the P in SPS lately.
Josh, let me know when you can get together for coffee. I’d love to chat about this and your thoughts on the P in SPS.
Dan
Josh~
The difficulty I have with this question is the need for a defined spiritual dimension within ‘doing of’ theology. Obviously the craft cannot be practiced without some sort of commitment to the one the craft is for. Spiritual readings cannot be necessarily brought out of the text, they must be perceived by the reader.
Considering Acts 2, a pentecostal may find the greatest spiritual meanings in the rushing wind and tongues of fire; an evangelical in the preaching of the word by Peter; etc …
Meaning (spiritual) has to be found, it cannot be taught. Feelings are contained within the person perceiving them. Personally, the greatest feeling in theology is in the doing of theology – the practice of being a believer. Devotional readings of scripture are not critical, they are reflective – internal. Devotional readings of scripture cause (and are) the doing of faith. I don’t know how the theologian can participate in this art – it seems to be the job of the local church for the local church.
just some thoughts, I’d love to hear your reactions to them.
dan
D. Shoe.,
I would want to make a distinction between how the text is interpreted, and how the text should be interpreted. While we (often) read the text as individuals, we are never really doing so as individuals, but as a larger community, as the church. When we read a text we must always do so within (or as part of) our tradition. I’m not sure why there needs to be a bifurcation between HC and spiritual readings. I think a spiritual reading is not instantaneously a non-critical reading. Mind you, I am still thinking through this whole deal.
Hermeneutic distinctions lie at the heart of many church disputes and fractures. When Evangelicals take up issue with Episcopalians on issues of homosexual ordination, it quickly becomes apparent that they are reading the same bible differently. I would like to introduce you to Robert Schreiter and his book called “Constructing Local Theologies!” Right I know you know about it already, but within its pages is circumscribed a concept of theologia sapientia (sp? it is late), or wisdom theology. He talks about this as being wisdom attained only through life experience, especially in the Patristic period. Its preoccupations are with introspective development and its findings are cosmic. He also notes that many indigenous peoples operate on wisdom structures, so these theologies are better suited for success in many cultures.
HC is a result of (sin?) theologia scientia, or sure knowlege. this is the method wielded by anyone who wants to be taken seriously within dominion of Catholic and most Protestant denominations. With these things in mind, it is better to regard the authority of people who engage in a normative reading of scripture (spiritual) as having ground in theologia sapientia. The layman is “indigenous.” The theologian is “colonialist.”
At the heart of the question is the nature of someone’s Christian identity. There are communities entirely built on these frameworks, who fight and split. We need to maintain unity (not in pursuit of uniformity) and that means reaching out to the layman on the grounds of wisdom while searching the scriptures for sure knowledge. It would help if churches had a clear function within their constituent communities and were not these social elitist clubs, headed up by CEO pastors. Bit I digress.