10/07/2025 08:30
- 12:00
HALL: Seminar Room 01
Proponent:
Demiri L.,
Gallien C.,
Moyaert M.,
Pittl S.
Chair:
Schlenker L.
Speaker:
Demiri L.,
Gallien C.,
Moyaert M.,
Pittl S.
This panel will focus on Christian and Muslim understandings of 'transformation' through the use of the hermeneutical technique of Scriptural Reasoning (SR). Originating in the early 1990s US interfaith context, the SR is an empirically-tested practice that promotes a reparative reading of scriptures. The panel will include Christian and Muslim theologians and experts who will read, comment and discuss a range of texts from the Bible and the Qur'an, relevant to the theme of 'transformation', be it individual or societal. What is meant by transformation? What are the motivations and resources for transforming human life? How do Christian and Muslim scriptural traditions claim and aim to transform humanity? These and similar questions will be discussed by deploying the method of SR. Each scriptural passage will be briefly introduced by reflecting on the historical context, language, and ways of interpretation. This will be followed by a thorough discussion around the text and its meaning for today's readers, be they Muslim or Christian. This is an occasion of sharing one's own scriptural texts with others, as well as an opportunity to feel welcome to comment on the scriptures of another tradition. Being practiced worldwide in academia (in the form of scholarly activities such as university seminars, workshops, courses, etc.), and beyond (as a public outreach activity in parishes, prisons, schools, etc.), the SR has the capacity to transform the way we 'do' theology in today's globalised world.
9:00-10:15 Session 1: Individual Transformation
Chair: Lea Schlenker (Tuebingen)
- Introduction to SR and its History
- 'Islamic scriptural texts on individual transformation' by Lejla Demiri (Tuebingen)
- 'Christian scriptural texts on individual transformation' by Marianne Moyaert (Leuven)
- Discussion
10:15-10:45 Break
10:45-12:00 Session 2: Societal Transformation
Chair: Besnik Sinani (Tuebingen)
- 'Christian scriptural texts on societal transformation' by Sebastian Pittl (Tuebingen)
- 'Islamic scriptural texts on societal transformation' by Claire Gallien (Cambridge)
- Discussion
- Reflections on the Future of SR