CONCEPTUAL NOTE
N.Ex.U.S., an acronym that stands for Nurturing Exegetical Understanding of Scripture, is a platform designed to promote in-depth dialogue between Exegesis and Hermeneutics – two distinct yet interconnected approaches to the Bible. Our project is grounded in an increasing awareness of diversity as a significant factor within academia.
The first NExUS Conference, held in Rome in 2023, explored “The Bible and Its Worlds.” We focused on questions concerning the aims of exegesis, the interaction between exegetical work and other disciplines such as history, philosophy, and theology, to name but a few.
This second session will concentrate on how different cultures contribute to our understanding of the Bible. We will hear voices from Africa, Asia, the Americas (North and South), and Europe. The outcomes will, we hope, deepen our appreciation of regional hermeneutical approaches and enrich our understanding of the reception history of biblical interpretation.
EXPECTED OUTCOME
METHODOLOGY
Our conversation will consist of four sessions, each dedicated to the voice of a specific region:
Africa, South America, North America, Asia, and the West. We are mindful of the cultural
diversity within each of these regions. Therefore, this initiative seeks to raise awareness of the
possibility of a mutually enriching, shared hermeneutical search for an exegetical
understanding of Scripture.
Each session will begin with a paper introducing the hermeneutical world of the region, framed
around Jesus’ question: “How do you read?” (Lk 10:26). This will be followed by two or three
substantial responses offering different cultural perspectives. Finally, a group of discussants
will engage further with the themes, deepening the dialogue.