The Promise of Scriptural Reasoning - Paperback

by David F. Ford (Editor), C. C. Pecknold (Editor)

With this volume, a group of scholar-practitioners of Islam, Judaism and Christianity invite readers to share in their understanding of scriptural text study and disciplined reasoning.

• Grapples with questions ranging from the nature of scripture and revelation to the relevance of philosophies such as idealism, pragmatism and phenomenology.
  
• Offers a constructive alternative to modernity, going deep into the scriptures while also drawing critically on modern philosophies and methodologies.
  
• Shows how Muslim, Jewish and Christian believers can study, reason and work together in a way that does not compromise their religious integrity and respects others' religious integrity.
  
• A timely publication, of interest to all those interested in interfaith dialogue or in the nature of scriptural study.

Back Jacket

In 'scriptural reasoning', Jews, Christians and Muslims study their scriptures in conversation with one another. This innovative practice brings core identities into deep engagements with one another by returning to the sacred texts that give rise to their differences and their family resemblances. 'Scriptural reasoning' enables these differences, and agreements, to be worked through in a collegial context. It has already begun to produce fresh approaches to one of the great issues of the 21st century: how can the Abrahamic faiths understand each other and live together in peace?

In this book, twelve contributors distil their critical and constructive thinking on 'scriptural reasoning' after nearly a decade of study and discussion. Their reflections range from introductory accounts and guidelines for the practice, to literary-critical discussions and interpretations of texts. Several chapters draw on contemporary philosophies, such as pragmatism, phenomenology, and idealism. A critical conclusion invites readers to reflect on the promise of 'scriptural reasoning'.

Author Biography

David F. Ford is Regius Professor of Divinity and a Fellow of Selwyn College at the University of Cambridge. He is also Director of the Cambridge Interfaith Programme and Chair of the Management Committee of the Centre for Advanced Religious and Theological Studies. Among his publications are Self and Salvation: Being Transformed (1999), Theology: A Very Short Introduction (1999), and (edited with Rachel Muers) The Modern Theologians. An Introduction to Christian Theology Since 1918 (Blackwell Publishing, Third Edition, 2005).

C.C. Pecknold is Research Associate in the Centre for Advanced Religious and Theological Studies in the Faculty of Divinity, University of Cambridge. Among his publications are Transforming Postliberal Theology: George Lindbeck, Pragmatism and Scripture (2005), and (edited with Randi Rashkover) Liturgy, Time and the Politics of Redemption (2006).