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8/16/2019 Seekers After Truth - BCISSConference2012
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Seekers after Truth:Cross-Disciplinary Insights for the IntelligenceProfession from the Biblical and Theological
Studies Disciplines
Presentation by Howard ClarkeBCISS Conference on Intelligence Analysis
Brunel University
July 2012
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Agenda
A. Introduction: background & context
B. Exploration of Exegetical & Hermeneutical Issues
C. Theological Studies as a Problem-based
Exploration of “So-What?” Issues
D. Discussion of Findings and Potential Cross-
Disciplinary Implications
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A. Introduction: Context and Rationale
Nexus between Intelligence & Biblical Studies Central Intelligence Agency, John 8:32 and the Use of Scripture
What is truth? whose truth? truth in what context?
Biblical theology – threat – risk dimensions, and unknown futures
Is there methodological common ground?
an intelligence practitioner perspective
exploratory reflections
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Definitions
Exegesis: refers to careful investigation of the original
meaning of texts in their historical and literary contexts.Hermeneutics: refers to the theory, methodology of
interpretation, especially of scriptural texts; focus on the
applied meaning in the contemporary context Theology: the study of the nature of God and religious
truth
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Conceptual Framework: Disciplines Compared
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Data availability
challenges
Challenges in correctly
discerning context: both
Subjects (SOIs) & users
Complexity of
the issues
Critical thinking
& attitudinal
challenges
Challenges Compared
Some Common Challenges –
Biblical Interpretation & Intelligence Analysis
“Loaded”issues – high
sensitivity &
impact
Dangers of denial,
deception &
“wilderness of
mirrors”
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Textual Criticism: best data, source provenance,
evaluative criteria, internal and external evidence,alternative hypotheses
Exegetical Method: exegetical mindset, appropriatetools, skillful application
Historical Method: assessing the historical viability ofthe biblical data, criteria for assessing plausibility, balance
of probabilities
B. Exploration of Exegetical and
Hermeneutical Issues
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Interpretation: Big
Picture View
Adapted from
Richard J. Erickson
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Ex
egesis“(Exegesis) is primarily a listening device, a systematized
process we can use for projecting ourselves backwardinto the cultural settings out of which the biblical
documents arose. Once there, we can more accurately
hear the message as its authors first delivered it. And
once that or something close to it is clearer to us, we are
more likely to hear the message the Scripture has for us
in our own settings…” (emphasis added)
- Richard Erickson
Applicability for the intelligence practitioner?
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Practitioner Reflection
Sometimes we rush into interpretation before we have
carefully observed & sensitively listened to the data – we have not studied the data on their own terms, we
have overlaid our own presuppositions, biases, and
mindset.
We have not listened, we have not heard, we have not
learned …
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Summative Example – Quest for the
Hermeneutical Jesus (Stewart) Approach the [Jesus] texts with an open mind
Presuppositions must be clearly stated and open to critique
Seek to understand what a text says before assessing a text
theologically (i.e. careful, sensitive reading precedes
interpretation and advising)
Proper hermeneutic for historical Jesus research must be
multi-disciplinary
Recognition of worldviews ( all parties)
Recognition of genre and form (in communication)
Recognition of intentionality (intended purpose, meanings)
Test the logic of explicit or implicit historical arguments
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C. Theology: as Exploration of Interpretative
Implications and “So-What?” Issues Applicable focus –perceived or conceivable real problems ,
perceived or conceivable real threats
“..you cannot go from books to problems, but the reverse, fromproblems to books…” - Nassim Taleb The Black Swan
Danger of “locking out” truth due to overriding
presuppositions “Unturned” Stones – potential productive avenues not
pursued in this presentation
Polanyi, Lonergan, Peirce, Popper, Lakatos, Teilhard de Chardin)
Interconnectivity of related disciplines – science,
philosophy, religion
“All truth is God’s truth …”
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Opportunities for Contemporary Application Multi-disciplinary implications – appropriate use of
ethnographic, religious, cultural analysis in intelligence
Implications for enhanced understanding of religious
extremism and terrorist mindsets
Domestic religious extremist threats
Militaristic, extremist Islamic Jihad – ‘hate wrapped in religion’
Other religious-based terrorism activities
Example: Radical Apocalyptic Logic and the Iranian Nuclear Threat – per Walton & Flannery (2012) – i.e. danger of an overlooked
lose-lose scenario due to misreading adversary’s apocalyptic mindset
& logic, and a theologically-driven end-game
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Shared ‘Best Practice’ Values - Biblical
Interpretation & Intelligence Analysis
Appropriate tools used
at the right time, in the
correct manner
Best available
data
Source
Evaluation &
Data
Validation
Optimized analysis as
a community effort
Intellectual &
attitudinal openness
Use of
Structured
methods
Clarity of
purpose
Importance of
contextual analysis
Appropriate focus
on client /
decision-maker
needs
Awareness of
“inhibitors”
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Conclusion: Where To From Here?
Potential linkage - fertile field of research on the nexus
between Religion and Science Potential linkage - studies of how knowledge & insight are
generated, willingness to move beyond the boundaries of
scientific, critical methodologies Further research - making it practitioner-relevant
Presenter Details:
Howard Clarke
177-4438 West 10th Ave,
Vancouver B.C. V6R 4R8 Canada