It is probably not surprising that much of the discussion on academic and devotional approaches to Bible study tend to focus on problems and areas of apparent (and not so apparent conflict). However, I am keen to explore ways in which the academic approaches can aid and enhance devotional readings.
As has been mentioned elsewhere, I am convinced that the two approaches need not necessarily be seen as mutually hostile. This lesson was struck home to me when an octogenarian retired missionary, who was attending one of my Greek classes, was so moved by being able to follow the Lord’s Prayer in Greek and remarked that it brought the Bible ‘so very much more to life’.
At the risk of sounding too Pollyanna-ish I am keen to explore the positive dimension of this academic-faith relationship and would love to hear from anyone for whom academic study has enriched their faith and understanding of the Bible.
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Richard Goode
(SYNEIDON Research Project)
