Workshop: Scriptural Reasoning

About 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.”

This session is convened by Dr Giles Waller, with Dr Lindsey Taylor-Gutharz and Sahra Ucar. Capacity is limited so please register.