Bibliodrama And The Art Of Unlearning
Anabella Morabito
02/19/2015
Reflection Paper #1
Gospel Stories of Women
Body and Bible:
Bibliodrama and the Art of Unlearning
In the fourth chapter of the book, Body and Bible, Gerhard Marcel Martin exposes the practice of bibliodrama and its relevance to the significance of the text today. Martin begins in explaining the activity of bibliodrama and exploring the possible groups that may benefit from its practice. Among the benefits of bibliodrama that Martin emphasizes I found particular interest in the capacity to use bibliodrama as a way of deconstructing old patterns of thought and behavior, and hence finding new meanings necessary to embody the text in today's context. Martin states that "If a group really wants to encounter a biblical text from a new and original perspective, it must virtually 'unlearn' hasty responses and familiar interpretations." (91) To accomplish this clarity which Martin calls for he outlines necessary precursors to the practice of bibliodrama. Among them the necessity for noticing patterns of breathing, growing awareness of our body and the different parts that we neglect and ignore, he also suggests closing our eyes, changing focus, and allowing "interactive response" to emerge "from a centered and silent place." (92) Martin explains that “Bibliodrama processes encourage participants to rely on their own theological and aesthetic, personal and political judgements when appropriating biblical traditions and making them relevant for today.” (90) Under this requirement it can be argued that other forms of biblical interpretation also accomplish the same result. For example, one can make the argument for methods such as Lectio Divina, the traditional Benedictine practice. However, the power of bibliodrama is in making the body a participant in the process of ‘unlearning’, in order to reach new depths of understanding. Martin emphasized the importance of becoming aware of our body and its importance in our ‘dance’ of
02/19/2015
Reflection Paper #1
Gospel Stories of Women
Body and Bible:
Bibliodrama and the Art of Unlearning
In the fourth chapter of the book, Body and Bible, Gerhard Marcel Martin exposes the practice of bibliodrama and its relevance to the significance of the text today. Martin begins in explaining the activity of bibliodrama and exploring the possible groups that may benefit from its practice. Among the benefits of bibliodrama that Martin emphasizes I found particular interest in the capacity to use bibliodrama as a way of deconstructing old patterns of thought and behavior, and hence finding new meanings necessary to embody the text in today's context. Martin states that "If a group really wants to encounter a biblical text from a new and original perspective, it must virtually 'unlearn' hasty responses and familiar interpretations." (91) To accomplish this clarity which Martin calls for he outlines necessary precursors to the practice of bibliodrama. Among them the necessity for noticing patterns of breathing, growing awareness of our body and the different parts that we neglect and ignore, he also suggests closing our eyes, changing focus, and allowing "interactive response" to emerge "from a centered and silent place." (92) Martin explains that “Bibliodrama processes encourage participants to rely on their own theological and aesthetic, personal and political judgements when appropriating biblical traditions and making them relevant for today.” (90) Under this requirement it can be argued that other forms of biblical interpretation also accomplish the same result. For example, one can make the argument for methods such as Lectio Divina, the traditional Benedictine practice. However, the power of bibliodrama is in making the body a participant in the process of ‘unlearning’, in order to reach new depths of understanding. Martin emphasized the importance of becoming aware of our body and its importance in our ‘dance’ of