Lenten Series
Interpreting the Bible is always something that can stir people up. What can we learn from past efforts to understand what it meant to people in different times? What can this history reveal about what the Bible speaks to us today?
March 6, 13, 20, 27
History of Biblical Interpretation
Kenneth J. Woo, Associate Professor of Church History, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
As Protestants we take as self-evident the importance of the Bible to Christian belief and practice. Yet we also affirm the rich variety of experience and contexts that comprise the history of Christianity as a global faith. How did the church in different times and places relate to Scripture and understand its meaning? In what ways did significant cultural shifts impact methods of interpreting Scripture in the church? What can the history of biblical exegesis teach us about the diverse questions God’s people brought to God’s word in various situations, the answers they found, and the implications of these lessons for our reading of Scripture today? Join us as we explore these and other questions together in March.
The Rev. Dr. Kenneth J. Woo teaches church history at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, where he also directs the seminary’s Master of Theological Studies program. A specialist in Reformation history and theology, Ken is the author of Nicodemism and the English Calvin (Brill, 2019). His next book – Calvin, Refugee Theologian – is forthcoming with Baker Academic. For six years Ken served as a pastor in the Washington, D.C., suburbs. He lives with his family in Pittsburgh.
Westminster Seminars
In Person and Online
Sundays, 9:45 – 10:30 a.m.
Galbreath Chapel & Zoom
The Westminster Seminars address, in various ways, how our beliefs and practices as Christians enrich our lives in today’s culture. Everyone is welcome – come every week or whenever the topic appeals and your schedule allows. If you can’t join in person or on Zoom, plan to watch or listen later on the Westminster website – under News & Media – here: westminster-church.org/news-&-media/westminster-seminars.
The Zoom meeting opens at 9:30 for greetings and conversation. Find the link on the church website under Featured Events or in the Friday church email.