Contextual Biblical Interpretation

Call For Papers: We welcome papers that examine biblical texts or methodology while explicitly engaging a reader’s contemporary context. (1) We invite papers to join an open session exploring “Unexamined Contexts” - those contexts taken for granted even when readers try to make explicit their contemporary contexts. We are particularly interested in intersectional aspects of interpreter’s contexts and how they navigate them in interpretations. How are gender expression, sexuality, race/ethnicity, white privilege, socio-economic status, geographic location, political position, etc. presented in interpretations and where are certain contexts erased? Why is there resistance to contextualizing these contexts? What are the pitfalls of doing intersectional contextuality? How might our (lack of) response to hidden contexts expand/limit scholarship? (2) We invite papers for an open session on "Experiential Readings of Biblical Text and Context," co-sponsored with the Bible and Practical Theology Unit. Paper proposals should include reading the Bible using Practical Theology and/or the social sciences to address a current issue of concern together with a reflection on how your experience/context influences your interpretation/view of the issue. Examples of possible issues include but are not limited to a) Issues of masculinity (e.g.: Toxic Masculinity, Pastoral Care with Men, Sheep Dog Security [men trained with weapons to protect faith communities], etc.); b) Race Issues in Society and Faith Communities Environment; c) Any issue, the key is that the chosen issue be one pressing Faith Communities environment and or society today. (3) We will facilitate an invited panel of scholars and activists on LGBTQIA+ Activism and Biblical Interpretation. They will explore how LGBTQIA+ contextualized readings are being used to foster community engagement and activism globally. (4) We join other program units in the "Talk with the President” session with Dr. Adele Reinhartz.

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