Text and Experience: Toward a Cultural Exegesis of the Bible

In March 1992, a very unusual gathering of biblical scholars from around the world took place on the campus of Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. Under the auspices of the 'Casassa Conference' (named for Fr Charles Casassa SJ), these scholars came together to discuss papers and interact with each other on the issue of culture and biblical interpretation. Coining the term 'Cultural Exegesis', these scholars and students debated whether the cultural backgrounds and experiences of the readers of the Bible can not only influence conclusions about contemporary theological issues, but even influence the methods and results of historical and literary critical methodologies.