BRIDGING THEOLOGY S2E3 Karen Keen on the Interpretation of Scripture and Theology
Apr 11, 2023
Karen Keen, a biblical scholar and author, discusses her transformative journey in theology with co-hosts Beth Stovell and Kevin Hill. She shares insights from her time on a kibbutz in Israel, exploring the profound impact of scripture on personal growth. Keen highlights the danger of 'chronological snobbery' in biblical interpretation, advocating for humility and recognition of diverse traditions within Christianity. The conversation also touches on balancing work and play, personal identity, and the nostalgic comfort of childhood foods.
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Literal Means Christ-Centered Meaning
- 'Literal' should mean the text's true message, which the church historically identified as the salvation story centered on Christ.
- Karen warns against 'wooden' readings that ignore genre and the gospel's freeing, transformative aim.
Introduce Kids To Bible's Origins Early
- Teach children early that the Bible is a collaborative, multi-stage work and not a single fall-from-heaven object.
- Present the Bible's origins as fascinating and communal to prevent later faith disillusionment.
Scripture's Dynamism Calls For Humble Reading
- The Bible's dynamism—composition and transmission over generations—reminds readers God works in every era, not only ours.
- This historical flexibility cautions against privileging one interpretive climate and invites learning from past methods.
