Joshveer Chhabra - Background to Reading the Bible

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Dec 6, 2023

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Background to Reading the Bible Task 1 ● This task is intended to help provide a foundational understanding about the Bible. It provides you with basic tools and concepts which are necessary for a Catholic approach to reading scripture. ● Read Reading the Bible by Richard Olsen and What Scripture Says...and Doesn’t Say; READING THE BIBLE IN CONTEXT by Margaret Nutting Ralph • Answer questions as individuals then discuss as a group or class. Questions (Olsen): 1. What did you find interesting or new in this article? - The notion of "seed stories," particularly Exodus in the Old Testament and the Resurrection in the New Testament, captivated me It's compelling to think of these stories as foundational, shaping the lens through which we interpret other biblical events. Understanding how these pivotal moments serve as thematic anchors deepens my appreciation for the intricate layers of meaning within the scriptures. 2. What images or thoughts did you have while reading or reflecting? - While reading this article, I envisioned the ancient landscapes where these biblical narratives unfolded, imagining the struggles of the Israelites, their cries for liberation, and the transformative power of their faith. The notion of "seed stories" brought to mind vivid images of Moses leading his people out of Egypt and the resurrection of Christ, symbolizing profound journeys from oppression to freedom. I reflected on the resilience of the Jewish people across centuries, facing various oppressors, and the enduring hope embedded in their stories.

3. What are some seed stories in your life? - A seed story is a pivotal moment that fundamentally shapes our lives, much like the transformative events in the Bible such as Exodus and the Resurrection. These moments symbolize liberation and new beginnings. For me, moving to Canada in grade 8 was my seed story. It opened doors to countless opportunities, offering me a new perspective on life, education, and a world of possibilities. This experience significantly shaped my character, ambitions, and understanding of the world, making it a defining chapter in my life's narrative. 4. What questions would you ask the author? - If given the opportunity, I would ask the author about their personal experiences that inspired them to explore the Bible from this unique perspective. What specific historical or cultural influences motivated them to emphasize the importance of context in understanding biblical narratives? Additionally, I'm curious about how the author believes these insights could bridge the gap between religious communities and foster better understanding and appreciation of different faith traditions. 5. Is there any element that you were unclear on? - I was unclear on how to practically implement the guidelines provided in the article. While the concepts and principles were explained thoroughly, the article lacked specific examples of how the author would apply these guidelines to read a particular biblical passage. I wished for more concrete illustrations or case studies to understand how to approach a specific story in the way the author described. 6. What element(s) need further resource or inquiry? - In my opinion, the article leaves room for exploration regarding the practical implementation of the user-friendly guidelines for reading the Bible. While it highlights the significance of historical context and faith-based interpretation, I feel it lacks specific examples or exercises to help readers apply these concepts effectively. Personally, I believe interactive exercises or case studies based on different biblical

passages would greatly enhance understanding. Moreover, delving into the application of these guidelines to complex or controversial biblical stories could provide valuable insights. I think further resources focusing on these practical aspects would greatly enrich readers' engagement with the text. Questions (Ralph): 1. What did you find interesting or new in this article? - Something I found interesting and new in the article was how the form of writing in the Bible can influence our understanding. The article's example of the Book of Job being written like a debate was particularly intriguing. Without the context of how the Book of Job was written, readers might misinterpret isolated passages and draw conclusions opposite to the author's intent. This made me realize that the literary style used by the authors carries important clues about the intended message. This insight has also sparked my interest in exploring other literary styles within the Bible. 2. What images or thoughts did you have while reading or reflecting? - While reading and reflecting, a vivid image came to mind: I pictured a heated debate where people quoted scripture, yet God looked down, sensing their lack of true understanding. This scene underscored the disparity between fervent arguments and the deeper essence of divine teachings. This image emphasized the crucial need for a more profound comprehension of scripture's intended context. 3. How would you put today’s society in context for readers today and in the future? - In understanding today's society, acknowledging the cultural differences between biblical times and our modern world is crucial. Just as ancient authors tailored their messages to their social norms, we must recognize our evolving values. For example, practices like slavery, once accepted, are now seen as morally wrong. By approaching these texts with discernment, recognizing historical contexts while promoting modern

values of equality and justice, readers can bridge the gap, grasping ancient wisdom while embracing societal progress. 4. What questions would you ask the author? - If I had the opportunity to ask the author questions based on this article, I would inquire: 1) Can you provide more examples of specific biblical passages where understanding the historical context significantly alters the interpretation, emphasizing the importance of considering cultural and societal influences? 2) In your opinion, how can contemporary readers strike a balance between respecting the historical context of biblical texts and applying the timeless moral principles to modern ethical dilemmas, especially in situations where societal norms have evolved significantly? 5. Is there any element that you were unclear on? - In my opinion, the article does a commendable job highlighting the significance of grasping both literary and cultural contexts in biblical interpretation. However, I believe it could be more helpful for readers if it offered practical exercises or specific examples to demonstrate how to apply these concepts effectively. Providing hands-on guidance would empower readers, especially newcomers to biblical studies, to better comprehend and interpret specific verses within their appropriate contexts. 6. What element(s) need further resource or inquiry? - There are certain elements in the article that could benefit from further exploration and inquiry. Firstly, the article briefly touches on the progression of revelation throughout the Bible's timeline. It would be beneficial to expand on this concept, exploring how certain themes or teachings evolved over different historical periods and how these developments impact contemporary interpretations. Additionally, the article could benefit from practical exercises or tools that readers can use to apply the discussed principles. Offering readers interactive methods or study techniques would empower them to engage more actively with biblical texts, fostering a deeper

understanding of context-based interpretations. Lastly, incorporating diverse perspectives or scholarly opinions on interpreting specific challenging passages could enrich the article. Compare the articles: 1. Are there any similarities and or differences between the two articles? Similarities - Focus on Context: Both articles emphasize the importance of understanding the context in which biblical passages were written. The first article discusses historical context, highlighting the relationship between God and the Israelites throughout different periods, while the second article emphasizes literary form, cultural context, and the progression of revelation over time. - Misuse of Scripture: Both articles address the misuse of Scripture. They discuss how people can take passages out of context to support their own opinions or agendas. They stress the significance of understanding the intended message of the biblical authors. - Interpretation Challenges: Both articles acknowledge the challenges in interpreting Scripture correctly. They recognize that cultural differences, literary forms, and the evolving understanding of truth over time can complicate the interpretation process. Differences - Specific Focus: The first article primarily focuses on guidelines for reading biblical narratives, the concept of seed stories, and their significance in the Old and New Testaments. The second article concentrates on understanding literary forms, cultural contexts, and the progression of revelation in the Bible. - Time Periods: The first article discusses historical events and time periods in the Bible, such as the exodus and the establishment of Israel as a sovereign nation. The

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