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8. Sources and Models in Traditions of Spirituality
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183 Behind the often intimidating public facades of their institutional manifestations , Christians and Muslims have cultivated less imposing, more inviting private gardens of inspiration, repose, and refreshment. A wide range of literary genres in both traditions maps out a variety of paths to deeper insight through personal reflection, discipline, and devotion. Neither the Bible nor the Qur´ān was intended to be read as a manual of spirituality, but over the centuries Muslim and Christian spiritual guides have elaborated on their scriptures’ allusions to the most important aspects of the divinehuman relationship. After a look at some of those key scriptural images and texts, I will explore briefly how Jesus and Muhammad have functioned as primary exemplars for spiritual seekers. In addition, Christian and Muslim traditions of hagiography supply examples of faith and personal commitment embodied in the life stories of men and women singled out as the most successful in following the lead of the founding figures. Finally, I suggest several examples of narrative theology whose themes further develop those of scripture and hagiography in service of spirituality. scripture and spirituality The Bible and the Qur´ān have functioned over many centuries as treasuries of spiritual wisdom to countless millions of Christians and Muslims. Preachers, exegetes, and spiritual authors in both traditions have tutored members in sifting their scriptures for the most evocative texts. A critichapter 8 Sources and Models in Traditions of Spirituality 184 | Ethical and Spiritual Dimensions cal ingredient in this reading is the process, virtually automatic for wellschooled believers, of translating texts not necessarily intended as spiritual aids into sources of personal inspiration. Often enough, this complex process of appropriation involves symbolic or metaphorical interpretation. So, for example, Christians might read a text that originally referred to the Law revealed to the ancient Israelites as applicable to themselves in a very different context. Muslims can see as illuminating their own daily struggle a text originally related to a problem encountered by Muhammad and his community in early seventh-century Arabia. Below are a few of the numerous examples of how the foundational texts have supplied ongoing soul sustenance for the faithful of the respective traditions. Christian Spiritual Reading of Scripture Christians generally look to both Old and New Testaments to tap into the spiritual wellsprings of their various denominational traditions. Most Christians will affirm that they accept the Old Testament as revealed to them, but the message they take from it is very different from what their Jewish brothers and sisters find there. Paradigmatic images come to the fore as they filter the text of the Hebrew Bible wearing their uniquely Christian lenses. For example, a text of Deuteronomy distills a core dynamic of the divine-human relationship in a way that readily appeals to many Christians. God says: I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice, and cleaving to him; for that means life to you and length of days, that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them. (Deuteronomy 30:15–20) Christian readers typically have no trouble understanding “the land” metaphorically as a reference to reward in the next life rather than a piece of earthly real estate. Texts describing Israel’s survival of countless trials during the Exodus translate readily into images of God’s guidance through life and deliverance from all manner of enslavement into spiritual freedom. For many Christians, the Psalms (known to Muslims as the zabūr, revealed by God to David) are a crucial source of Old Testament insight. Many “liturgical” churches incorporate psalmody into their worship and paraliturgical services (e.g., Divine Office or Liturgy of the Hours). A common method incorporates psalm readings as antiphonal recitation or song, [3.143.237.52] Project MUSE (2024-04-17 22:49 GMT) Traditions of Spirituality | 185 interspersed with refrains. Preachers of virtually all Christian churches cite the Psalms in sermons, often drawing out their christological implications. In the Roman Catholic tradition, for example, the lectionary pairs a psalm reading with the day’s gospel reading largely on the basis of christological resonance. Christian authors, beginning in the New Testament and including many from Augustine to Luther, have read the Psalms as referring to Christ. Through the centuries, countless...