"Let the Reader understand" (Mark 13:14)
Readings and reflections, mostly on things biblical & hermeneutical, from a christian socialist perspective.
The end of an age in hermeneutics: following the death of Gadamer just over three years ago, now Ricoeur passes away, having left us with fascinating insights and sometimes rather difficult (and numerous) writings. Taking seriously the hermeneutics of suspicion in biblical interpretation will always be associated, at least in part, with his name. Requiescat in pace.There are lots of 'biblical blogs' out there that do not (ostensibly) reflect on politics. This isn't one of them. If the Biblical conception of justice means anything to you; if you share a vision of radical discipleship; well, then I trust that you'll find one or two useful contributions here. And if you can laugh at yourself, and the quirks of our common humanity (not to mention the nonsense some comrades get up to), well... then you are doubly welcome!
What do I mean by 'christian socialism'? I understand the term (especially the 'socialist' aspect) loosely, and certainly not in a dogmatic sense. Have a look at explanatory article by Helmut Gollwitzer, one of my favourite German theologians, even though it is now a bit dated: I would still hold that most of it applies now. See also the website of Anglo-Catholic socialists, with discussion group.
Karl Barth said something along the lines that preaching requires the Bible and the newspaper. So here are a few possibilities:
'The Bible' (and other faith resources)
'The Newspaper'
...and some blogs
All texts on this site,
unless otherwise indicated, are
(c) Holger Szesnat (2004-)
