Editorial RES 3/2014

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">The historical-critical method of biblical exegesis has its roots in Humanism and in the Enlightenment. Humanism situated the Bible in the series of ancient texts, whilst the Enlightenment sought the rational elements in the message of the Bible. The method, developed over a long period of time, proceeds from the assumption that the Bible has a message, first and foremost, for the respective era. This is why it tries to distil the demands and consolations of the Bible on the basis of (historical) knowledge about the respective era, and to sound the depths of its message for the present on this basis. There are many steps the interpreter must go through to create a space in his heart for the message of the Bible in accord with the specifics of his own era. The critical aspect of the method rests primarily on placing the message within the time of its utterance, but also on relating it to the conditions and mentalities prevailing at the time of interpretation. The historical-critical method is an auxiliary science that does not exclude other types of Bible exegesis. The insights gained from applying it are communicated through sermons and as part of the teachings of the Church.</abstract>

Die historisch-kritische Methode der Bibelauslegung

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">This study aims to capture the dynamics of the recent biblical studies in the Orthodox and Western, especially Protestant, theological areas. Both the Orthodox biblical theology and the Western biblical theology are streamlined by research, which can be inspired by each other´s experience. Thus, the Orthodox biblical studies are recently shaped in receiving and developing an exegetical method, and in this sense may appeal to the Western experience, especially the historical-critical method. On the other hand, the Western biblical scholars are concerned with bringing into the present the meaning of biblical texts or their update, in a direction close to the Orthodox biblical experience. The solution to these concerns can be rediscovered in the mutual completion with ecumenical connotations.</abstract>

The Historical-Critical Method and the Holy Fathers

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">This article finds its inspiration in the new interpretations of Gadamer’s hermeneutics, which underline the turn in his later period, and which focus on the conception of aesthetic experience as an experience of transcendence. The main thesis is that the understanding of artworks, as Gadamer describes them in contrast to the Kantian subjectification of aesthetics, can be paralleled with the way Orthodox biblical theology struggles to approach Holy Scripture in the context of Church and Tradition. The aim of this article is to bring new material to the growing reception of Gadamer among Orthodox scholars, and to initiate further discussion on the topic by showing the parallels and areas where this reception could continue.</abstract>

Gadamer’s Concept of Aesthetic Experience as a Possibility for the Orthodox Biblical Theology

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">This article is a plea for a non-biblical approach to biblical texts, the so called “Rezeptionsästhetik” (aesthetics of reception). Important points of this approach are reading biblical texts as fictional (poetic) texts and the reader’s role in decoding the texts according to his “encyclopaedia”. Using aesthetics of reception in interpreting Bible texts can contribute to the better acceptance of different points of view on the same scripture passage and to more respect and understanding between the different religious traditions concerning biblical interpretation.</abstract>

Einander wahr-nehmen

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">This essay investigates the liturgical hymns of the Orthodox Church referring to the Johannine story of the Raising of Lazarus (Jn. 11:1-44). These hymns are especially sung at the Services of the Saturday before Palm Sunday known as the Saturday of the holy and righteous Lazarus. The relevant hymns are deep theological interpretations of the Johannine story and therefore an important contribution to the history of exegesis of the Gospel according to St John.</abstract>

Die Auferweckung des Lazarus in den gottesdienstlichen Hymnen der Orthodoxen Kirche

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">The current trend among Orthodox theologians is to identify a fitting profile for biblical theology. The ecclesial and pneumatological dimension of biblical interpretation and the recovery of the patristic spirit of exegesis are the main principles invoked. Should Orthodox biblical theology develop autonomously, ignoring western biblical theology? The case of the Bible from 1914 analysed in this study shows that Orthodox biblical theology should develop taking into account heterodox biblical theology and making reference to its results.</abstract>

Can Orthodox Biblical Theology be Autonomous?

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">The Book of Genesis offers not only to Israel but also to its neighbors the reason for their existence1. In western theological thought, W. Eichrodt’s Theology of the Old Testament and Cl. Westermann’s Commentary on Genesis are two of the most important works, which are distinguished because of their method and the expression of their theological perspectives on the topic “creation narratives”. In contrast to Western theologians, Greek-Orthodox Theologians inherited their tradition of interpretation from the Church Fathers. Eastern Theology has seen the topic of interpreting the Bible as an unbreakable whole, containing God’s word and action for the salvation of humankind. Any differences between them are caused by another perspective and ecclesiastical tradition.</abstract>

The Creation Narratives in the Western and Greek-Orthodox Theology of the 20th Century

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Different churches have developed over time several concepts of exegesis of the New Testament. From the very first apostolic years, the Orthodox East embraced the delivered interpretation of the Fathers, who always respected the revealing and holy spiritual character of the Scriptures (God-centric interpretation). Prevailing since the Middle-Ages in Western Christianity, on the other hand, has been an interpretative spirit of rationalistic research of the texts which gives priority to historical facts and ignores sometimes the supernatural-revealing intervention of the divine (human-centric interpretation). As long as different understandings of the holy text can lead to divergence from the delivered dogmatic teaching, it is imperative for both sides to know and understand each other better, in order to success an effective convergence. Through the harmonic synthesis of both hermeneutical directions some exaggerations and extreme interpretations could be avoided.</abstract>

Konstantin.Nikolakopoulos@orththeol.uni-muenchen.de

Die orthodoxe Hermeneutik in ihrem Selbstverständnis gegenüber der historisch-kritischen Methode

International conference on “Concepts of «Human Dignity» in the Patristic Tradition and their Traces in Eastern and Western Christianity”

The Polyphonic Theology of the Church Fathers

Book Reviews: Orthodox Handbook on Ecumenism. Resources for Theological Education, Regnum Books International, 2014

Book Reviews: Artisan of Christian Unity between North and East: Nathan Söderblom. His correspondence with Orthodox personalities (1896-1931)

Book Reviews: Enrico Cattaneo S.J., Il commento a Isaia di Basilio di Cesarea. Attribuzione e studio teologico-letterario, Studia Ephemeridis Augustinianum 139

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Review of Ecumenical Studies Sibiu

 Publishing House and Owner: Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Romania  The Ecumenical Journal Sibiu (RES) is the academic journal of the Ecumenical Research Centre of Sibiu and serves both national and international ecumenical research, enjoying an international scientific support. The journal is issued three times per year, each issue dealing with a specific topic.  The initiative behind the founding of the RES journal is related to the ecumenical tradition of the city whose name it bears. In 2007, Sibiu was the cultural capital of Europe and home of the Third European Ecumenical Assembly. These events were not accidental, as Transylvania is characterized by a long tradition of tolerance between the various Christian denominations. There is no other region in Europe where Eastern Orthodoxy, Protestantism and Catholicism have shared for centuries the same political and geographical area.  RES aims to reflect international and Romanian theological academic work. The studies, articles and reviews published in it fall within the field of theology, but also include a multidisciplinary perspective: philosophy, history, ethics, social sciences etc. . Born in Sibiu, a symbol of multiethnic coexistence, interreligious tolerance and the confluence of several cultures, our journal aims to become a mouthpiece for research and global and local ecumenical projects. The Romanian and international authors are encouraged to express their own cultural and theological tradition in their continual quest for the dialogue with other cultural traditions and denominations. People shall thus understand that true identity develops only in dialogue, ecumenical dialogue playing a role in self-knowledge: when I meet the other, I understand better who I am myself. Removing false images, ecumenism does not lead to confusion and dilution of identity, but on the contrary - in this passage, through dialogue I go back to myself, changed by this encounter, enriched and strengthened in what I am. Thus, joint responsibility of all Christians shall manifest and strengthen regardless of the area they live in. Archiving  Sciendo archives the contents of this journal in Portico - digital long-term preservation service of scholarly books, journals and collections.  Plagiarism Policy  The editorial board is participating in a growing community of Similarity Check System's users in order to ensure that the content published is original and trustworthy. Similarity Check is a medium that allows for comprehensive manuscripts screening, aimed to eliminate plagiarism and provide a high standard and quality peer-review process. 