Scripture & Theology is a new e-magazine dedicated to the relationship between biblical interpretation and the articulation of church doctrine. It exists by and for teachers of the church, which is to say, theologian-exegetes and exegetical theologians whether in academics, ministry, or the laity. The editors welcome all readers, and what is more, we invite your active participation.
A Locus Communis
In the Renaissance a commonplace (from the Latin locus communis) was a “striking or notable passage, noted, for reference or use, in a book of common places.” Hence a commonplace-book was a notebook where “passages important for reference were collected, usually under general heads.”1
Like a number of other bloggers, we see this as an analogy ready-made for weblogs. And since S&T is a collaborative effort, as indeed is our topic in general, locus communis has other resonances we appreciate. This site’s content is generated by a community of interested parties—or anyway, that’s the hope.
Three major headings for our commonplaces, then, are as follows.
Doctors of the Church
The church has recognized certain outstanding doctores ecclesiae, doctors of the church whose expositions of scripture and articulations of doctrine are great assets.
S&T wants to learn what we can from the giants of the past. We may interpret this class liberally (e.g., Origen was condemned as a heretic but repays reading), though we’ll not make unprecedented declarations. If you care to assist, contribute a post for this category.
Text & Interpretation
Alternately you may wish to post short notes on the biblical text and its interpretation. This class is also quite broad, but specific posts will focus on a manageable aspect of scripture. It is entirely possible that something here could fall under the previous heading, too. We are happy to file it twice.
Meditations
Just as no part of scripture exists in isolation from the rest of scripture, none of the church’s teachings exist in isolation. Theological interpretation ought to be aware of these interconnections, and “meditations” can pursue these inter-textual and inter-doctrinal links. They also provide the opportunity to explore the myriad points of contact between scripture, doctrine and the contemporary world. (For an example, see R.R. Reno’s meditation on Genesis 23:2 and death).
A Digest
Recent years have seen the emergence of a handful of new journals and book series alive to the intersection of scripture and theology. Naturally, there are other, unserialized publications in the area as well. On top of that, we have the theo- and biblio-blogs. Who can keep up with it all?
Key to the S&T concept is readers keeping other readers up-to-date. We read differently and so can help apprise one another as trends unfold. Categories we envision include:
Blog Notes
The blogosphere isn’t all faff. Sometimes important conversations occur, and we think it worth keeping an ear open for them. If you follow a significant thread, write and link it up, and send it in.
We also feature related sites in a blog-roll at the base of the page. If you’re eager for the latest chatter, these might be a good place to look.
Book Notes
The obvious series here include the recently completed Scripture and Hermeneutics Series (we’re already running an eight-part review), Baker Academic’s Studies in Theological Interpretation, and the new dissertation series which will accompany the Journal of Theological Interpretation. Dozens of other worthwhile titles appear each year. If you’ve read something timely, share your notes with the wider community.
The editors also recognize the value of reading older works. Please do not hesitate to submit a post on a dustier, possibly forgotten volume.
Journals: What’s worth reading in…
Similarly for journals. Relevant work might crop up in any of the major biblical and theological periodicals. We would also like to spotlight some in particular, such as:
- Communio
- European Journal of Theology
- First Things
- Jahrbuch für Biblische Theologie
- Journal of Theological Interpretation
- Letter & Spirit
Think we’re missing something? Why not let us know with an inaugural post for an new sub-category?
Features
Finally, from time to time we will invite guest posts from leaders in the field.
Register
You must be logged on to S&T before you can post comments or make submissions, but registration is open to the public.
- Oxford English Dictionary, s.vv. “commonplace” n. 3 and “commonplace-book” [↩]
