Heaven on Earth? The future of spiritual interpretation (Regent College, Sept. 16-17)

Heaven on Earth? (click here for conference details)

Theological interpretation of Scripture is becoming a common practice, both among Catholics and evangelicals. For some, this may seem like the arrival of heaven on earth. Others, however, have critiqued the recent trend toward theological interpretation for being too theologically or heavenly minded and for not doing justice to the historical, earthly realities of which the text speaks.

What is 'spiritual interpretation?'

According to Regent scholar, Hans Boersma, "Theological reading is a reading of Scripture that goes beyond merely looking for the historical meaning of the text. This kind of reading maintains that our Christian beliefs shape the way in which we read Scripture. In the Middle Ages, this led to the notion that there were four levels of meaning: the historical, the allegorical (referring to Christ and the church), the tropological or moral (teaching us how to live), and the anagogical (referring to the eschaton).  Among Catholics, Henri de Lubac has been a pioneer of reintroducing such a 'spiritual' reading of the text, while among Protestants, Karl Barth is often regarded as recognizing the limits of historical critical exegesis and advancing more theological approaches.

What is this conference about?

This conference, hosted by Regent College in cooperation with the Center for Catholic-Evangelical Dialogue (CCED), brings together numerous renowned Catholic and evangelical scholars to ask the question: what are the implications if we read the historical, earthly text in the light of spiritual or heavenly realities? Answering this question raises a multitude of sub-questions for the laity, pastors, and scholars in the Church. Is Scripture primarily a historical, earthy text, or is it a sacramental vessel for spiritual truths, or both perhaps? Is there an exegetical posture that Catholics and evangelicals can share? How are we to read both critically and devotionally?

Plenary Speakers

Conference Moderator