13 march 2025

Understanding the Gospels and Progressing in Truth: A Comparative Look at Two New Publications by Domuni-Press

The question of interpreting the Gospels has spanned centuries and remains as relevant as ever. In a world where certainties are crumbling and critical thinking dominates, the foundational texts of Christianity continue to provoke believers and scholars alike. At a time when some question the historical value of the Gospel narratives, others view them as an inexhaustible source of meaning and truth. Domuni Press aligns with this dynamic by publishing two works that explore, each in its own way, the richness and complexity of the Scriptures.

Bruno Callebaut, in Les Évangiles au carrefour des exégèses, invites readers to an enlightened reading, free from dogmatism and hasty simplifications. His approach is based on a rigorous examination of contemporary exegetical currents, without ideological bias. The aim is to understand how the Gospels were written, in what historical context, and with what intentions. Far from being mere factual accounts of the words and deeds of Jesus, the Gospels belong to a living tradition that developed gradually. Their writing, profoundly marked by the faith of the early Christian communities, raises the question of the distinction between the historical event and its interpretation. Can we truly know what Jesus said and did? What are the limits of modern exegetical methods? These questions, far from weakening the believing reading of the Gospels, allow one to grasp their full depth.

The author emphasizes the necessity of an “empathetic” reading of the texts, one that does not reduce itself to a purely historical-critical analysis or a naive, literalist approach. It is about being challenged by their own dynamics, understanding why and how they were written, and what they mean today. In a world where the Christian heritage is often questioned, this approach allows us to reconnect with the living dimension of the Scriptures and rediscover their relevance for the contemporary reader. Exegesis is not an academic exercise detached from spiritual implication; it is a way of opening oneself to the Word and allowing it to resonate within.

In this quest for truth, the example of Father Marie-Joseph Lagrange stands out forcefully. The founder of the French Biblical and Archaeological School of Jerusalem embodies an exegetical vision that refuses to choose between faith and reason. Manuel Rivero, in Progresser dans la vérité, retraces the journey of this Churchman and scholar, whose work marked the history of Catholic exegesis. At a time when scientific research on the Bible faced strong resistance, Lagrange managed to maintain a demanding stance, convinced that truth can only be one, and that critical study of the Scriptures should not be seen as a threat to faith.

Far from the sterile divisions between traditionalism and progressivism, his approach falls within an integrative vision, seeking to understand the Scriptures while taking into account the advances of historical and archaeological science. For him, it was not about shaking faith, but rather nourishing it with a renewed intelligence. In this respect, he aligns with the perspective of the Second Vatican Council, which reaffirmed the need for a reading of biblical texts enlightened by modern methods, while remaining rooted in the living tradition of the Church.

Manuel Rivero highlights the current relevance of this vision, as the debate between conservatism and openness continues to fuel theological discussions. Through the testimony of Father Lagrange, it is an entire approach to the relationship between faith and reason that is questioned. Can we progress in the knowledge of God without challenging certain old conceptions? How can we reconcile fidelity and renewal? These questions concern not only Bible specialists but anyone seeking to understand how the Christian tradition can be integrated into the contemporary world without losing its essence.

These two works do not merely present an overview of biblical research or retrace a historical journey. They are an invitation to think differently, to transcend simplistic oppositions, and to engage in an understanding of the Scriptures that combines intellectual rigor with spiritual depth. Far from offering a static knowledge or disembodied scholarship, they remind us that reading the Gospels is a journey, an unfinished quest where something of the encounter is at stake.

At a time when individualism and relativism weaken collective benchmarks, the question of meaning and truth has not lost its relevance. Reading the Gospels means confronting a Word that transcends the boundaries of time and space, which continues to speak to those who are willing to fully engage with it. The works of Bruno Callebaut and Manuel Rivero fit into this dynamic, offering keys to interpretation that allow us to enter with intelligence and sensitivity into this centuries-old dialogue between humanity and the Word.