Scriptural Reasoning for Vocational Reflection

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Evidence suggests that the practice of Scriptural Reasoning (SR) can be particularly useful in undergraduate settings as a tool for exploring questions of vocation; this complements its established use as a form of inter-religious engagement and cross-disciplinary study.  NetVUE is developing a new nationwide program of Scriptural Reasoning for Vocation Reflection. Its core elements are Scriptural Reasoning Training Hubs, where small teams from NetVUE member institutions gather, at no cost to the participants or the institution, to experience Scriptural Reasoning, to learn how best to facilitate it, and to consider how the team might make use of it on their home campus.

NetVUE is undertaking this work to develop Scriptural Reasoning as a valuable form of professional development for both staff and faculty members, working collaboratively, as well as a means of providing students with an additional entrée into vocational exploration and discernment. We are grateful for the support of Lilly Endowment Inc. in making this project possible, and for providing generous funding that will allow staff and faculty members at member institutions to participate without paying out-of-pocket costs.

Scriptural Reasoning Training Hubs

In May 2025, four sites will be available as Scriptural Reasoning Training Hubs. Each site will host a gathering of three days and two nights (including travel time); in each case, the event will begin in the late afternoon, continue with a full day of activities (and some free time or an outing), and will conclude after lunch on day three, allowing individuals to return home by that afternoon or evening. Two nights’ lodging and all meals are included in each gathering. Due to the generosity of Lilly Endowment Inc., there is no cost to participate.

Sites are regionally located; over 50 percent of NetVUE institutions are located within three hours’ drive of one of the four hubs. If teams are willing to drive five hours, over 80 percent of NetVUE institutions can make the trip by car. In addition, all hubs are located near airports for those participants for whom car travel is not possible. If travel costs cannot be absorbed by individuals or institutions (for example, if a travel freeze is in place at the institution, or if the nearest hub can only be reached by air), small travel grants are available for teams of at least two people.

Participating in a Hub Event

Up to three members of the faculty or staff at any NetVUE member institution may participate in a gathering at any one of the hubs. The three individuals will be accepted for the gathering on a first come, first served basis. Some sites may be able to accommodate more than three participants from a single institution. Each site will maintain a waitlist; waitlisted applicants will be notified four weeks before the event. If possible, the team should travel together and are encouraged to make use of the nearest hub to their home institution. However, anyone can apply to participate in any hub, based on individual and campus calendars, travel schedules, and personal preferences.

Dates and sites of the four 2025 SR Training Hubs are as follows. To apply, simply click on the event that you would like to attend:

If you are among the first three to apply from your institution, you will receive a notice of acceptance within a few days; later on, you will be asked for your travel information, dietary needs, and other information. Waitlisted individuals will be notified of their status as well. Because there is no cost to participate, we ask that those who sign up be firm about their commitment to attend. Keep in mind that the total number of participants at each hub is limited, and hosts must have firm counts in order to arrange for meals and lodging.

For teams of two or three persons in need of travel funding, please write to Ashley Woodbeck, NetVUE office manager, at awoodbeck@cic.edu, and provide details about your needs and an approximate budget. Travel grants can cover fuel costs, road tolls, and parking fees, but not mileage or the cost of a rental car. A grant for partial coverage of airfare is also possible when the nearest hub is located more than three hours’ drive from the institution of the attending team.

More about Scriptural Reasoning

Scriptural Reasoning (SR) has traditionally been understood as a transformative method of inter-religious study, fostering deeper understanding and relationships within and between faith traditions. In SR, people of different faiths come together to read and reflect on their scriptures. Unlike some forms of interfaith engagement, it does not urge participants to seek agreement; rather, it focuses on exploring the texts and their possible interpretations across faith boundaries, and on learning to “disagree better.” The result is often a richer understanding of others’ and one’s own scriptures, as well as the growth of strong bonds across faith communities. SR is now practiced globally, including in places affected by religion-related tensions and conflict.

Scriptural Reasoning has great potential to contribute to NetVUE’s range of opportunities for vocational exploration and discernment among undergraduate students. In order for it to be effective, however, it needs leadership from staff and faculty members who have experienced SR sessions, have received training as facilitators, and have developed the confidence to lead them.

A great deal more information about Scriptural Reasoning, including resources, testimonials, and a list of Frequently Asked Questions, is available at http://www.scripturalreasoning.org/.

Questions?

If you have questions about NetVUE’s program of Scriptural Reasoning for Vocational Reflection, please contact Nick Adams, NetVUE scriptural reasoning coordinator, at nadams@cic.edu.

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