Date/Time
Date(s) - November 12, 2014
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Location
Trinity Western University (Northwest Auditorium)
Categories No Categories
Canada Research Chair in Interpretation, Religion and Culture Lecture Series – Scripture, Theology, and Culture: Acts of Interpretation
Dr. Christopher Seitz, Senior Research Fellow, Wycliffe College, University of Toronto – “A Canonical Reading of Ecclesiastes”
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Location: Auditorium, Northwest Building
Biblical interpretation is moving in a direction that gradually recognizes and seeks to redress a longstanding separation of biblical studies from ecclesial theology. To correct dogmatic abuse of scripture, historical criticism had justly drawn attention to the socio-cultural and historical dimensions of biblical texts, but largely neglected the Bible’s role as sacred text within a believing community. Over the last generation, theological interpretation has received renewed attention and seeks to close this gap. The tension between critical analysis of the Bible as an ancient text and its foundational function for the church’s faith has always existed, but historical criticism and modern hermeneutic theory has increased our awareness that biblical interpretation depends on a complex interaction of theological tradition, cultural influences, and exegetical practices. This speaker series features a combination of case studies, of concrete ‘acts of interpretation,’ and broader reflections on the intersection of exegesis, theology, and science and culture to address the question how a faithful, ecclesial reading of scripture handles these complexities of interpretation.
Abstract: We will look at the following topics. 1. The unusual character of the protagonist’s depiction as “Koheleth” and its significance for the interpretation of the book. 2. The repeated use of the phrase hebel and how best to translate it, given its obvious thematic importance. 3. The use of proverbs in Ecclesiastes and what this says about its relationship to Wisdom. 4. Whether there is a dramatic movement to the book that tells us how to understand its more limited stance toward Wisdom? 5. The canonical location of Ecclesiastes in various Jewish and Christian lists and the significance of this for proper interpretation of the book.
Sponsored by the Canada Research Chair in Interpretation, Religion, and Culture.
For more information contact Natalie Boldt at [email protected].