Feature

Abstract

In this issue we consider several approaches to text and the insights these may give to the teaching of Religion Studies. Ed Conrad takes a phenomenological approach where the reader is actively involved in creating the text's meaning and contrasts this with historical criticism where the text is seen as containing meaning and the reader is an objective interpreter. Ed advocates this as the best approach to the Bible where both the authors and the backgrouns history are uncertain. A special case for the female reader is made by Elaine Wainwright who considers the influence of different feminist views to appraoching text. Majella Franzmann explores the idea that recurrent themes in texts enable us to build a picture of those communities who produced and/or used the texts. Eddie Crangle explores differences in cognitive style and their influence on preferred meditative styles and their associated worldviews in Eastern religions. He suggesys such analysis will enhance the understanding of text and thus contribute to the enrichment of Studies in Religion.