A Handbook for Scriptural Reasoning

Abstract

In what follows the reader will find twelve "rules" that I have set forth to define the nature and goals of the practice of Scriptural Reasoning (SR). The rules are authored by one person who cannot be seen to represent the diverse views of the many people who participate in SR activities. However, given these limitations, this Handbook is written for heuristic and pedagogic purposes to introduce Scriptural Reasoning to those who have little experience in and knowledge of the practice of SR. These rules were presented to the SR Theory Group at Cambridge University in May of 2004 where I received extensive comments. I use the notion of a "rule" rather than a "principle" or "statement" because SR is first a practice and then a set of ideas and a theory. The rules emerged from my observations of SR practice and taken together the rules are meant to be a guide or "handbook" for future SR practice.After presenting the twelve rules in list form, I return to each rule to explicate it in more detail. I then conclude with a brief description of how SR is done. The description focuses more on necessary conditions and attitudes than rigid steps and instructions. A. Twelve Rules of Scriptural Reasoning (SR)

Scriptural Reasoning as a Ritualized Practice

“…Several of the world's leading proponents of scriptural reasoning-Ford, Ochs, and Kepnes-depict their scriptural encounters as quasi-liturgical, as having a semi-liturgical quality (Ford 2006) or as being in some sense a ritual and liturgical (Kepnes 2006). They highlight that it is a formalized practice, structured by written and unwritten rules to which practitioners are gradually introduced.…”

“…Things are more complicated, however. Several of the world's leading proponents of scriptural reasoning-David Ford, Peter Ochs, and Steven Kepnes-actually depict their scriptural encounters as a ritual (Ford 2006;Kepnes 2006;Ochs 2006).…”

Scriptural reasoning: An expression of what it means to be a Faculty of Theology and Religion

“…For an understanding of the concept of SR, works of three scholars in the field will suffice to provide an idea of what this concept entails. Steven Kepnes (2006), Peter Ochs (2012 and David F. Ford (2006) provide a good overview of the definition and origin of SR and the challenges it presents. 7…”

“…In terms of practical arrangements for a SR meeting, Kepnes (2006) provides a detailed map. What follows here is an abbreviated suggestion as to how a SR session can be arranged practically.…”

Beyond Extremism

“…Started in 1994 by Peter Ochs, the Edgar Bronfman Professor of Modern Judaic Studies at the University of Virginia, this movement facilitates gatherings of mainly religious educators and leaders to discuss specified scriptural passages. Theologian David Ford notes that the goal is not consensus but friendship (Ford 2006, 348), as the process among six or so participants in a particular session preserves differences as it establishes relationship through conversation over sacred texts chosen in advance by participants to focus a certain figure (e.g., Abraham) or theme (e.g., creation, justice, or hospitality) (see Kepnes, 2006). The results have been encouraging, as more groups arise across North America and Europe.…”