What is SR?

Gateways to Scriptural Reasoning

Scriptural Reasoning (SR) is an open-ended practice of reading- and reasoning-in-dialogue among scholars of the three Abrahamic traditions. There are no set doctrines or rules of SR, since the rules are embedded in the texts of scripture and their relation to those who study and reason together. Individual practitioners of SR do find it useful, however, to reflect occasionally on their group practice and identify its leading tendencies. Such reflections differ from individual to individual and from time to time, but there are overlaps, and both the overlaps and the differences stimulate groups of SR reasoners to talk about, debate, and refine their practices.

Even in this general introduction to SR, we want to preserve this sense of dynamism and difference as well as continuity. Rather than offer one “gateway” characterization of SR, we therefore want to offer you several characterizations, each one disclosing different features of SR from its different perspective.

Here are five “gateway” characterizations of SR: one is from Kevin Hughes’ web-page on SR (based on his participation in the Princeton Center of Theological Inquiry-based SR Research Group); another is drawn from Peter Ochs’ address at the inauguration of Iain Torrance as President of Princeton Seminary (2005); another is from David Ford’s address at the inauguration; one is a long excerpt from Steven Kepnes’ Handbook of Scriptural Reasoning; and the last one an address delivered to the Canton Interfaith Association by Willie Young.

• The Premises of "Scriptural Reasoning" Kevin Hughes

• Some Features of Scriptural Reasoning as an Academic Practice and as a Religious Practice Peter Ochs

• Scriptural Reasoning as a Form of Friendship David F. Ford

• A Handbook of Scriptural Reasoning Steven Kepnes

• "Be Transformed by the Renewing of Your Minds": Scriptural Reasoning and the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Willie Young