Walk to Emmaus Contextual Bible Study Method

“Walk to Emmaus” Contextual Bible Study Method

Carlos Dreher discerns a seven step process in CEBI’s contextual Bible study method, each of which is echoed in the story of the walk to Emmaus. The method begins with a recognition of “the culture of silence” which encompasses these disciples and so many of the oppressed, then shifts to the role of Jesus or the contemporary facilitator who draws near, walks together with the oppressed, listens to their perspective, asks questions, establishes trust, equalises power relations, and enters into a dialogical process of “speaking with”.

The third step in the methodology emphasises the disciples knowledge, their own analysis of reality, taking the knowledge of the oppressed as the starting point and ‘ground’ of conversation.

The fourth step is the recognition of the role of Jesus as a “popular educator”, who engages in a re- reading of scripture together with the disciples, adopting a “pedagogical posture” that interrogates both the received scriptural tradition and local understandings of reality in a dialogical and collaborative manner.

Dreher’s exploration of this fourth step is rich and complex, recognizing both its pivotal role in the contextual Bible reading process and its controversial dimensions. How much of a role the CEBI- trained pedagogue plays depends on how one understands domination and resistance, and to what extent the oppressed have become ideologically ‘captivated’ by the ideologies of the dominant.

The fifth step acknowledges the importance of dialogical and collaborative practice in opening the eyes of the disciples and the oppressed. Re-reading scripture is an element in this practice, but shared activity, including ritual activity like the eucharist, and especially collaborative work, is the vital component for transformation and empowerment to take place.

The sixth step involves “the courage to disappear”, as Jesus does and as the CEBI-trained animator must, for we must believe that disciples and the oppressed generally “are capable of taking their history into their own hands”. “Anything else”, argues Dreher, “would be to educate for dependence”. The CEBI-trained pedagogue is not in control; it is the Holy Spirit who is.

The seventh and final step is for the disciples to return to Jerusalem and to continue the work of Jesus. The contextual Bible reading process ends with taking up the work of God’s project, immersing ourselves in “sharing, solidarity and fellowship, linked to prayer and witness”. Contextual Bible reading brings about change in historical subjects, enabling us to turn around and face the established powers that afflict the oppressed. As Dreher sums it up, “This is ultimately the goal of popular education and also our goal in working with the Bible among the people”.

From an article by Gerald West, Ujaama Center (S Africa) http://ujamaa.ukzn.ac.za/ http://www.anglicantheologicalreview.org/static/pdf/articles/west.pdf

This article cites: Carlos A. Dreher, The Walk to Emmaus (São Leopoldo: Centro de Estudos Bíblicos, 2004).