Seekers after Truth:

Cross-Disciplinary Insights for the Intelligence Profession from the Biblical and Theological Studies Disciplines

Presentation by Howard Clarke BCISS Conference on Intelligence Analysis Brunel University

July 2012

Agenda
A. Introduction: background & context B. Exploration of Exegetical & Hermeneutical Issues C. Theological Studies as a Problem-based Exploration of So-What? Issues D. Discussion of Findings and Potential CrossDisciplinary Implications

A. Introduction: Context and Rationale

Nexus between Intelligence & Biblical Studies

Central Intelligence Agency, John 8:32 and the Use of Scripture What is truth? whose truth? truth in what context? Biblical theology threat risk dimensions, and unknown futures

Is there methodological common ground?

an intelligence practitioner perspective exploratory reflections

Definitions
Exegesis: refers to careful investigation of the original meaning of texts in their historical and literary contexts. Hermeneutics: refers to the theory, methodology of interpretation, especially of scriptural texts; focus on the applied meaning in the contemporary context Theology: the study of the nature of God and religious truth

Conceptual Framework: Disciplines Compared

Some Common Challenges Biblical Interpretation & Intelligence Analysis Challenges Compared
Complexity of the issues Loaded issues high sensitivity & impact Challenges in correctly discerning context: both Subjects (SOIs) & users Data availability challenges Critical thinking & attitudinal challenges Dangers of denial, deception & wilderness of mirrors

B. Exploration of Exegetical and Hermeneutical Issues

Textual Criticism: best data, source provenance, evaluative criteria, internal and external evidence, alternative hypotheses Exegetical Method: exegetical mindset, appropriate tools, skillful application Historical Method: assessing the historical viability of the biblical data, criteria for assessing plausibility, balance of probabilities

Interpretation: Big Picture View Adapted from Richard J. Erickson

Exegesis
(Exegesis) is primarily a listening device, a systematized process we can use for projecting ourselves backward into the cultural settings out of which the biblical documents arose. Once there, we can more accurately hear the message as its authors first delivered it. And once that or something close to it is clearer to us, we are more likely to hear the message the Scripture has for us in our own settings (emphasis added)
- Richard Erickson

Applicability for the intelligence practitioner?

Practitioner Reflection
Sometimes we rush into interpretation before we have carefully observed & sensitively listened to the data we have not studied the data on their own terms, we have overlaid our own presuppositions, biases, and mindset. We have not listened, we have not heard, we have not learned

Summative Example Quest for the Hermeneutical Jesus (Stewart)

Approach the [Jesus] texts with an open mind Presuppositions must be clearly stated and open to critique Seek to understand what a text says before assessing a text theologically (i.e. careful, sensitive reading precedes interpretation and advising) Proper hermeneutic for historical Jesus research must be multi-disciplinary Recognition of worldviews (all parties) Recognition of genre and form (in communication) Recognition of intentionality (intended purpose, meanings) Test the logic of explicit or implicit historical arguments

C. Theology: as Exploration of Interpretative Implications and So-What? Issues

Applicable focus perceived or conceivable real problems, perceived or conceivable real threats
..you cannot go from books to problems, but the reverse, from problems to books - Nassim Taleb The Black Swan

Danger of locking out truth due to overriding presuppositions Unturned Stones potential productive avenues not pursued in this presentation
Polanyi, Lonergan, Peirce, Popper, Lakatos, Teilhard de Chardin)

Interconnectivity of related disciplines science, philosophy, religion

All truth is Gods truth

Opportunities for Contemporary Application

Multi-disciplinary implications appropriate use of ethnographic, religious, cultural analysis in intelligence Implications for enhanced understanding of religious extremism and terrorist mindsets
Domestic religious extremist threats Militaristic, extremist Islamic Jihad hate wrapped in religion Other religious-based terrorism activities

Example: Radical Apocalyptic Logic and the Iranian Nuclear

Threat per Walton & Flannery (2012) i.e. danger of an overlooked lose-lose scenario due to misreading adversarys apocalyptic mindset & logic, and a theologically-driven end-game

Shared Best Practice Values - Biblical Interpretation & Intelligence Analysis

Best available data Awareness of inhibitors Source Evaluation & Data Validation Use of Structured methods Appropriate focus on client / decision-maker needs Clarity of purpose Intellectual & attitudinal openness Appropriate tools used at the right time, in the correct manner Importance of contextual analysis Optimized analysis as a community effort

Conclusion: Where To From Here?

Potential linkage - fertile field of research on the nexus between Religion and Science Potential linkage - studies of how knowledge & insight are generated, willingness to move beyond the boundaries of scientific, critical methodologies Further research - making it practitioner-relevant
Presenter Details: Howard Clarke 177-4438 West 10th Ave, Vancouver B.C. V6R 4R8 Canada howard@intelligence-solutions-group.com