What is Scriptural Reasoning?
In Scriptural Reasoning, participants meet to read passages from their respective sacred texts. Together they discuss the content of those texts, and the variety of ways in which their traditions have worked with them and continue to work with them, and the ways in which those texts shape their understanding of and engagement with a range of contemporary issues. The goal is not agreement but rather growth in understanding one another's traditions and deeper exploration of the texts and their possible interpretations.
A participant wrote:
"Scriptural reasoning is engrossing. It is a tool that, at least in my modest opinion, will change the face of inter-faith and the workings therein. It breaks down the mostly useless, practically ineffective superfluous talk about our beliefs and their similarities and gets straight to the bone: these are our texts, this is the core of my belief, and I want you to tell me how you feel about it. This is an act which exposes one another, lets down defences, and allows for attack; but miraculously, it inspires only greater peace and understanding. I want to be trained to teach others this precious tool, so that I can be effective when I return to my hometown and God willing gather Pastors, Preachers, Imams, and Rabbis, and sit down and begin to draw the community together."
Another participant said:
“[Scripture] bridges a gap... because it is something to focus on - if everyone focuses on the same thing, relationships can happen around that focus, so you can talk with people you may not usually talk to.”
The use of sacred texts in Scriptural Reasoning allows for religious study to be part of the solution in a world characterised by intractable problems between religions. It engenders respect and friendship, and it provides a medium for discussing wider questions of identity and culture.
Scriptural Reasoning and the Cambridge Inter-Faith Programme
Scriptural Reasoning is at the heart of the Cambridge Inter-Faith Programme's work. We support, sponsor and practice Scriptural Reasoning:
- Since 2002, CIP has hosted academic conferences using the practice of Scriptural Reasoning
- We work with partners such as Rose Castle Foundation and Coexist House to organise Scriptural Reasoning events
Find out more
Visit the Scriptural Reasoning website and the Journal of Scriptural Reasoning for text bundles, resources and more information.