Scripture and Memory

Book Description

Scripture and Memory explores the profound relationship between biblical interpretation and the collective memory of Christian communities through the lens of liturgical lectionaries. Fritz West examines how three-year lectionary systems have evolved as interpretive frameworks, tracing their development from the Roman Lectionary through various denominational adaptations to contemporary ecumenical versions.

At the heart of this scholarly work lies a fascinating dual dynamic: how the Church's accumulated memory shapes biblical interpretation, while simultaneously how Scripture itself structures and forms that communal memory. West demonstrates that this interpretive dance creates a unique hermeneutical approach that differs significantly from individual Bible study or academic exegesis.

The book moves systematically from theoretical foundations to practical applications. West first establishes the hermeneutical principles underlying liturgical Scripture reading, then applies these insights specifically to the Lectionary for Mass and the Revised Common Lectionary. Through detailed analysis of each segment of the liturgical year, readers discover how these memory patterns influence the selection and presentation of biblical texts in worship settings.

For preachers and worship leaders, West offers valuable guidance on creating sermons that align with the lectionary's interpretive intentions. He reveals how understanding these embedded memory patterns can enhance proclamation by recognizing that lectionary texts arrive pre-interpreted through centuries of communal reflection.

The work includes comprehensive comparative tables and addresses the practical challenges of preaching within these structured systems, making it an essential resource for those seeking to understand how Scripture functions within liturgical communities.