Lumen et Vita

The Christian faith is, and has been, bound to Scripture in some form since the earliest communities of believers. The Scriptural texts are sources of healing and solidarity, but also points of contention and controversy. Through Scripture communities are formed, shaped, and sustained; There is no doubt that the Christian faith is perpetually shaped by the Hebrew Bible, the books called Deuterocanonical or Apocrypha, and the New Testament. Cyril of Jerusalem offers a distinct and firm reminder on the importance of Scripture to the Christian Life; that the Scriptures must be at the center of all actions, beliefs, and practices.

How has Scripture informed theology, and how has theology informed views of Scripture? What are some practices and rituals that are centered in Scripture, and how do these practices bring communities together? In what ways has the perception of Scriptural texts changed and adapted over different times? How do believers navigate Scripture as an intersection between different communities, ideas, and times; How can Scripture be an integral part of many different academic sub-disciplines and projects? Where does Scripture become a point of contention between peoples? What are some various ways Scripture is used by believers? What are the deeper meanings of the Scriptures, and how are the texts studied by different communities? How is Scripture accepted and received by diverse groups of people, with differing backgrounds, ideas, and cultural norms?