15. Psalm 63 and Pentecostal Spirituality: An Exercise in Affective Hermeneutics

Abstract

This chapter is a constructive and integrative study that examines Psalm 63 through the lens of Pentecostal spirituality. It describes what is called an 'affective approach' to the biblical text. The affective approach calls for the hearer to attend to the affective tones that are present in the text and to allow the affections of the hearer to be shaped by the text. The development of the affective approach to the Psalter takes into consideration Walter Brueggemann's insightful critique of both the precritical and critical approaches to the study of the Psalms. The chapter suggests ways in which Psalm 63 can contribute to the affective formation of the Pentecostal church of today. On the one hand the hearing of Psalm 63 is informed by and shaped by the author's own Pentecostal experience. On the other hand, his Pentecostal spirituality and experience is influenced by his engagement with Psalm 63. Keywords: affective hermeneutics; biblical text; Pentecostal spirituality; Psalm 63; Walter Brueggemann