Texttranszendenz

Book Description

In this profound exploration of biblical interpretation, Gerd Theissen unveils a transformative understanding of how sacred texts function in our spiritual lives. At the heart of his work lies the concept of "double transcendence" - the idea that biblical writings serve as windows both to the divine and to the fullness of human experience, mirroring the dual nature of love that encompasses both our relationship with God and our connections with one another.

Theissen demonstrates how this double transcendence emerges through careful hermeneutical study, while drawing upon insights from sociology and psychology to illuminate the rich polyphony of life itself. His approach bridges the sacred and the scholarly, showing how multiple disciplines can deepen our understanding of scripture's enduring relevance.

The work culminates in a comprehensive theology of scripture that addresses a fundamental question: what makes certain texts "holy"? Theissen argues that if the commandment to love places human relationships alongside our relationship with the divine, then contemporary biblical interpretation must engage in meaningful dialogue across confessional boundaries, world religions, and even critiques of religion itself.

This scholarly yet accessible work offers readers a fresh framework for understanding how ancient texts continue to speak to modern seekers, providing both spiritual insight and intellectual rigor for those exploring the intersection of faith, community, and human understanding.