Space, Place and Biblical Studies: A Survey of Recent Research in Light of Developing Trends

Abstract

This article surveys developing research on the nature of space and place. It summarizes the arguments proposed by geographers and philosophers outside biblical studies, and then illustrates how biblical scholars have employed these theories in the study of the biblical text. The review focuses on the theoretical underpinning and then examines a number of scholars who have appropriated what they call 'critical spatiality' to historical, sociological, and narratival readings. In short, some now describe space in a tri-part division; the physical world in which people exist, the ideological underpinnings of understanding places, and the lived practices of people within those places that sometimes challenge and sometimes reaffirm the expected uses of such places.

Yahweh, the Animal Tamer: Jungles, Wild Animals and Yahweh’s Sovereignty in the Apocalyptic Space of Daniel 7:1-28

“…The common apocalyptic spaces are the battleground, the palace space (or the throne room), the temple space, the harvest space, the angelic/demonic space, the persecuted space of the faith community, the dystopia/utopia spaces, musical/singing scenes, and the spaces of festivity, victory march and celebrations. In Christian apocalyptic thoughts, there are additional spaces such as the marriage/prostitution scenes and 7 For a recent description of modern scholarship in the appropriation of space theory to biblical scholarship see Schreiner, Patrick. 2016.…”

The Trialectics of Spatiality: The Labeling of a Historical Area in Beijing

“…Schreiner argued that spatial theories (such as Soja's concept of Thirdspace) are not the reflection of the real space, but should be assessed via a historical analysis. However, this kind of spatial concept also provides a more flexible and comprehensive way to look at the world [55]. The practical criticisms include the following: Some scholars have argued that Soja's case studies were insufficient for any theoretical explanation.…”

Advancing New Testament interpretation through spatio‐temporal analysis: Demonstrated by case studies

“…none of them studied the improved interpretation of Bible texts by the use of GIS, which is the topic of this article). Consequently, the applications of spatio‐temporal analysis to a diversity of biblical texts are still limited in scope and complexity, and the endeavors are mainly grounded in human geography and especially in the field of critical spatial theory (Mayordomo, ; Schreiner, ; Stewart, ). Although these studies provided new insights, it is expected that more value could be gained when applying spatio temporal studies and technology to the domain of biblical studies.…”

“… Compare Schreiner's comment: “A spatial turn is sweeping through the wider scholarly world in the social sciences, humanities, and philosophy. Across the disciplines, the study of space has undergone a profound and sustained resurgence” (Schreiner, , p. 340). …”