Think Again - a Big Think Podcast 223. Karen Armstrong (theologian) – the art of getting outside of yourself
Dec 7, 2019
Karen Armstrong, a renowned religious scholar and author, shares profound insights into the nature of scripture. She redefines scripture as a performative practice that challenges rigid dogmas and emphasizes midrash, or the art of reinventing texts for contemporary relevance. They discuss how scripture transcends self-centeredness and inspires justice across traditions. Armstrong contrasts Buddhist paths to compassion, considers Confucian ethics, and addresses the role of ritual in communal healing. Her personal spiritual practices highlight the importance of stepping outside oneself for deeper understanding.
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Scripture As An Inventive, Performative Art
- Scripture is primarily a performative, inventive art rather than a fixed doctrinal manual.
- It invites ongoing interpretation because the divine defies clear human categories.
How Reformers Rigidified Scripture
- The Reformation and rise of rationalism pushed scripture into fixed doctrinal spectacles.
- That shift created literalist readings and institutions that limited imaginative interpretation.
Rabbi Akiva And The Living Torah
- Rabbi Akiva's inventive midrash left Moses embarrassed but proud because his children advanced interpretation.
- The rabbis believed revelation recurs each time a student engages creatively with text.
