The spiritual reading of the Bible

Abstract

The aim of this study is to enter into the spirit rather than the word of the Bible. It aims to actualize the values the Bible transmits for today's humanity to render it as much as possible of service to the reader. This is illustrated through the distinction between the different senses that were attached to Scripture through the ages, mainly the literal and the spiritual. The focus of this study then turns to the development of the spiritual sense of the Bible in the Christian tradition and explains why it dominated the scene for practically the whole history of the Church. Eventually, we will understand that the two senses, the literal and the spiritual, can never be separated from each other. The scope of interpretation is then treated in detail. This is followed by a detailed description both of the traditional ways of interpreting the Bible spiritually and of new theories of interpretation. These help to bring out the validity of Scripture for today's reader. The final part of this study aims to provide a way in which all that was discussed in previous chapters may be concretized through lectio divina. It is a way Christians read the Bible so as to build up their faith, hope and love. This reading stems from the understanding that the Word is within our reach: "No, the word is very near to you; it is in your mouth and in your heart for you to observe" (Dt 30, 14). Practical exercises are also provided in order to facilitate its practice. Hopefully, this analysis will expose and unveil the Bible's spiritual and human treasures for the benefit of all, be it individual Christians, the Church and as a consequence society at large.