Texts
Scriptural Reasoning - Introduction
Scriptural Reasoning (SR) is text study between Christians, Muslims and Jews. It is a practice whereby members of these faiths, in small groups, study together their own and each other’s sacred scriptures. The space created by the three faiths in study together is often likened to the Biblical ‘Tent of Meeting’.
Groups vary in size, but between eight and twelve is a good number. Some Scriptural Reasoning sessions take place over several days, but groups also meet for about two hours. Each session normally has a ‘convenor’ and three ‘presenters’ who introduce the three different sacred texts. The role of the ‘presenter’ is to open up the portion of scripture for discussion. Before it is presented and then explored by the group, the chosen passage is normally read out loud in English. The presentation is not meant to be a definitive statement on the text, but rather simply an opening gambit. Once presented, the passage of scripture is then discussed by the everyone in the group.
The Bundles
There are two sets of bundles available for each theme in the right hand column. In the Text Bundle, we have supplied a collection of texts around the chosen theme. In addition to the scriptural material are some introductory notes for each selection. Some key words are glossed and, for each selection, we have also added some ‘points to consider’. You may or may not want to consider these. In the Commentary Bundle is some commentary material on the selected texts. This is intended to supplement rather than supplant your own readings. At the end of these are some inter-house ‘interruptions’: brief reflections from one of the commentators on the others’ chosen scriptural texts.
The passages have been chosen and the commentaries have been written by individuals who have been involved with SR for a while. The Jewish commentaries have been prepared by Lindsey Taylor-Guthartz (from the London School of Jewish Studies), the Christian commentaries by Ben Quash (from the Department of Theology and Religious Studies, at King’s College, London) and the Islamic commentaries by Usama Hasan (from the Markfield Institute of Higher Education).
Please use these bundles in whatever way is most useful, but please treat the scriptural material respectfully. The Qur’anic passages will soon be available to be separately downloaded by clicking on a link in the Text Bundle (it should be noted that Muslims object to material which includes the Qur’an being annotated). In the Hebrew texts the name of God has been modified as is customary to avoid accidental desecration of this sacred name. You should also make arrangements amongst your group for the respectful storage or disposal of these bundles. Please be guided by members of the respective houses as to how to do this appropriately.
Additional Information
There is additional information about Scriptural Reasoning on this website - see especially the booklet and accompanying video, “How to pitch a Tent” on the Resources page. We would love to hear how it goes for you, especially your own choices of theme and text.
