Two Ways of Engaging Scripture: Using Imagination and Conversing with Community and the Spirit

Join Pastor Troy as he walks us through two ways of engaging Scripture.

1. Ignatian Imaginative Contemplation

2. Anabaptist Community Hermeneutic

 

Ignatian Imaginative Contemplation 

Choose a Bible story from the Gospels.

1. Read it slowly: 

Read the passage slowly and thoughtfully, paying attention to words or phrases that stand out to you.

2. Imagine the scene: 

Close the text and imagine the scene vividly using all your senses. Visualize the sights, sounds, and smells. Imagine the people involved.

3. Put yourself in the scene: 

Become an observer. Imagine you are in the crowd or one of the people mentioned in the story. Notice what is happening, the little details. Reflect on any questions or new perspectives that arise.

4. Interact with Jesus or another character in the scene. 

You can ask questions, talk to them or simply be present with them.

5. Converse: 

Imagine you’re able to pull Jesus aside and have a conversation with him (or another person from the scene). Ask questions, share your thoughts and feelings from your experience.

6. Reflect: 

Consider what God might be saying to you in this passage and what it is asking of you. 

 

Anabaptist Community Hermeneutic:

Three Essential Ingredients: 

Scripture, Community, Holy Spirit

 

Focal Point: 

What are we sensing the Holy Spirit communicating to us through this passage?

 

Four Guidelines:

1. Talk to the Spirit AND one another. Form our comments as prayers. 

2. Pay attention to where the fruit of the Spirit is flowing in our conversation. 

3. Pay attention to the common thread(s) interwoven in our conversation.

4. Is our interpretation helpful? Does it reflect the character & teachings of Jesus?