As an amateur saxophonist and flutist, I have an appreciation for various musicals forms - including jazz. I've recently returned from a great time in New Orleans for the Society of Biblical Literature. This is an annual event featuring academic papers and discussions from scholars and students in Biblical Studies and related disciplines. As an urban pastor with a doctorate in Biblical Studies, I enjoyed the event and the venue.
During the African American BIblical Hermeneutics section, there was a paper presented by Kirk Lyons of Union Theological Seminary entitled "A Jazz Hermenuetic: Reading Paul, Hearing Trane 'A Love Supreme.'" Lyons used jazz as a metaphor for biblical interpretation. Indeed, the analogy is apt, especially when one considers how a New Testament writer "riffs" on an Old Testament passage or theme. Lyons noted how Theolonius Monk's "Round Midnight" has been re-worked to the point where the re-working has practically become the new standard. This type of re-working might be seen in Paul's "riff" on the Hagar/Sarah story from Genesis found in Galatians.
I was particularly appreciative of the presentations that acknowledged the pain that New Orleans faced during and after Hurricane Katrina. One of my daughters and I went on a work trip to New Orleans back in 2006 and it was good to be back in the city. And having the Saints on a winning streak isn't bad either!
