Description
Book SynopsisIn this work, Xavier Lakshmanan argues for a textual linguistic approach to Christian theology. The book takes its shape in conversation with Paul Ricœur's philosophical thought, demonstrating how Ricœur's hermeneutic philosophy can inform the way Christians interpret and appropriate biblical narratives without delimiting the potential of the text or eroding the distinctiveness of its language. The text can be appropriated in ways that address the fundamental questions of life. New meanings are constantly generated from the same text in order to describe and redescribe existence, and form human identity. The self is linked inseparably with narrative; every interpretation of narrative is at the same time a reinterpretation of the self and of its possibilities. In such interpretative processes, the reader interprets the text and the text interprets the reader at the same time through an interactive reading. Accordingly, the aim of interpreting the narratives is to open up the world of th
Trade Review«This book clearly and lucidly presents the central features of Paul Ricœur’s hermeneutic theory. It shows that Ricœur’s hermeneutic philosophy is important for constructing an interpretive framework adequate to explain how reality and the human self are structured in a way that is conducive and open to receive God’s revelation and be shaped by it.» (Jens Zimmermann, Trinity Western University, Canada)
«The task of theology is to respond creatively to new situations through a continual return to the same texts. How is this to be done? This book argues that Paul Ricœur’s philosophy sets out the conditions for such a creative textual theology. It is a thoroughly researched and carefully argued proposal for a philosophical narrative theology: a theology grounded in texts but always oriented towards real life.» (Benjamin Myers, Charles Sturt University, Sydney)
Table of ContentsContents: The Nature of Life: Narrative – The Narrative of Text: Life – The Language of Life: Metaphor – The Life of Metaphor: Reality – The Reality of Life: Temporality – The Life of Temporality: Identity.
