Scriptural Reasoning
What is Scriptural Reasoning?
Scriptural Reasoning (SR) is an interactive practice in which people from different backgrounds read and discuss short scriptural texts together. Groups and practitioners are found throughout the world.
Many groups are made up of participants from Jewish, Christian, and Muslim backgrounds, who meet to read texts from the Bible and the Quran. Other SR groups have participants from other backgrounds, including people who do not identify with any religious faith.
SR's focus on texts enables a rich conversation without presuming that everyone has the same areas of expertise or that they agree on theological issues. All participants are encouraged to share their thoughts about each text, regardless of whether they think of it as their own scripture or not.
By listening to other people talk about the text, participants have the opportunity to learn how other participants think and reason. SR also enables people to become more familiar with other religious traditions through hands-on engagement.
Past participants have reported that SR "inspires greater peace and understanding" and gets beyond "superfluous talk about our beliefs and their similarities," as well as providing opportunities to "talk with people you may not usually talk to.”
Scriptural Reasoning and the Cambridge Interfaith Programme
The Cambridge Interfaith Programme was one of the pioneers of Scriptural Reasoning, and has introduced many people to the practice over the years. CIP has also hosted academic conferences using the practice of SR, bringing scholars together for interdisciplinary academic collaboration.
CIP offers an introduction to the practice to students and others in Cambridge. Colleagues also engage in SR-related events outside Cambridge. Evidence of this practice and its impact can be found in academic publications from various researchers.
History of Scriptural Reasoning
Scriptural Reasoning grew by accident through friendships between Jews, Muslims, and Christians.
In the early 1990s, scholars of modern Jewish philosophy and rabbinic texts began meeting together to read and study, a practice they called Textual Reasoning. The aim was to grow in understanding of the scholars' different disciplines, and to discuss key questions about Judaism in the present and future.
In the mid 1990s, some Christian friends began sitting in on these conversations. They were so attracted by the lively process that they suggested using it as a model for interfaith conversation. Later, Muslim friends were invited to join the conversation, and Scriptural Reasoning was born.
Where to find more information
Because Scriptural Reasoning is a participatory practice, each SR group is unique. Different groups around the world practice Scriptural Reasoning in different ways, and even in established groups, the practice continues to evolve.
Use the links below to explore further. For those in the UK and Europe, the Rose Castle Foundation is available to provide some guidance and support, especially for non-academic groups and contexts.