Spiritual Reading: A Study of the Christian Practice of Reading Scripture

by Angela Lou Harvey, R. W. L. Moberly (Foreword by)

Overview

Reading Scripture is a spiritual practice at the very heart of the Christian faith. But how is it possible to encounter God in reading the words of the Bible? Does reading the Christian Bible require a different approach from how one may read other texts or writings? What is required of the spiritual reader to read well? Seeking to answer such questions, Angela Lou Harvey provides a theological exploration of the idea of "spiritual reading" in the context of the Western church today. Drawing upon insights of theologians such as Karl Barth, Henri de Lubac, and Ellen F. Davis, the author suggests that the particulars of Christian belief profoundly shape the distinctive practice of the spiritual reading of the Bible.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781498209779
Publisher:	Wipf & Stock Publishers
Publication date:	10/23/2015
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	248
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Angela Lou Harvey holds degrees from Rice University, Harvard Divinity School, and Durham University, from which she received her PhD. Having grown up in Texas, she now lives in England, where she is raising a young family and with them learning more about how to read.
R.W.L. Moberly is a Lecturer in Theology, University of Durham, England. His is the author of At the Mountain of God: Story and Theology in Exodus 32-34.

Table of Contents

Foreword R. W. L. Moberly viii

Acknowledgments xi

Abbreviations xiii

Chapter 1 Introduction 1

Chapter 2 Spiritual Reading and the Church 25

Chapter 3 Reading Well 45

Chapter 4 Karl Barth and the Reality of God in Scripture 78

Chapter 5 Henri de Lubae and the Spiritual Sense of Scripture 108

Chapter 6 An Artful Reader: Ellen Davis 140

Chapter 7 Ellen Davis's Art in Practice 170

Conclusion 209

Bibliography 223

Editorial Reviews

"Angie Harvey offers an engaging analysis of spiritual reading as a Christian practice of reading scripture, helpfully located in the landscape of theological interpretation and lectio divina, and with the church serving as a 'home' for spiritual readers. Her studies of several key writers deepen our appreciation of the depth and complexities of what is involved, while off ering vision for renewed Christian reading. Harvey off ers today's readers signifi cant 'ressourcement' for a key task." Richard S. Briggs, Lecturer in Old Testament and Director of Biblical Studies, Cranmer Hall, St John's College, Durham University "I found [Spiritual Reading] an interesting and thought-provoking analysis.... This book would interest anyone who studies practices of biblical engagement." Cherryl Hunt, Reviews in Religion and Theology, Volume 25, Issue 1, January 2018

From the Publisher