Abstract:
This contribution explains that the re-interpretation of
theological motifs or ideas leads to transforming theology
and religion. This phenomenon takes place within the
corpus and boundaries of the Old Testament. Innerbiblical
debate or “later” texts that re-interpret “earlier”
texts underscore this process and confirm a transformed
theology that is relevant and life-giving for the “new” or
“later” context. Because these processes happened
within the range of a long history of development of Old
Testament literature, the article first discusses important
hermeneutical realities or directives for Old Testament
interpretation. It then mentions a few approaches to, and
challenges of interpreting Old Testament literature. Finally, it
briefly portrays how the book of Ruth re-interpreted certain
pentateuchal texts as an act of transforming theology.
