Pentecostal/Charismatic Hermeneutics and Biblical Reasoning: Towards Mutual Enrichment

Abstract How might Pentecostal and Charismatic hermeneutics, and particularly an approach to Pentecostal group Bible study, be brought into dialogue with the practice of Biblical Reasoning as a development of Scriptural Reasoning? The discussion outlines the nature of both Scriptural Reasoning, focusing on the ‘rules for reading’ identified by Steven Kepnes, and key points associated with Biblical Reasoning. The work of Jackie David Johns and Cheryl Bridges Johns is used to capture the dynamic of a Pentecostal approach to group Bible study that reflects key aspects of Pentecostal and Charismatic hermeneutics. Once this is achieved, a comparison of the similarities and differences between these two practices of textual study is made. Finally, in keeping with both the integrity and receptivity approach of Biblical Reasoning, points of mutual enrichment for both types of practice are identified and discussed.