Words of Wisdom,Words of Prophecy: Why and How Biblical Law Speaks in the Public Square |
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Authors: | Jonathan Burnside |
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Affiliation: | Professor of Biblical Law, Law School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK |
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Abstract: | The study of biblical law enables us to pursue justice. Its application involves selecting from a body of discourse and emerges not only from “rules” but from narrative and worldview. It also means internalising a fixed text and improvising a faithful response. It is shaped and constrained at every point by practical wisdom. Religious beliefs should not be excluded in principle and cannot be excluded in practice from a liberal democracy. As has always been the case, communicating biblical law means recognising and surmounting difference through argument, appeal and persuasion. A key part of this communicatory strategy, whether ancient or (post)modern, is fleshing out biblical law in compelling, real-life situations. Questions of application and communication are thus closely linked. Although its application may be counter-cultural, biblical law is comprehensible when instantiated in practical action. |
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Keywords: | Bible law politics prophecy wisdom |
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