Phenomenology and the Reading of Scripture

To address the question as to whether phenomenology is of value to homiletics, or more precisely, whether phenomenology as practiced in French philosophy since the latter part of the twentieth century can inform the preparation of a sermon or homily, attention must be given to the phenomenological reading of Scripture—the primary source for the Christian preacher and foundation for the sermon. 1 Questions abound, but this chapter restricts itself to three main inquiries: What does it mean to read Scripture phenomenologically? What limitations does one encounter, if any? Finally, what is the reading process? The chapter will close with a preliminary appraisal of the phenomenological reading of Scripture.