Lekende lett og dypt eksistensielt: En studie av Operatio Divina som redskap for en levende og forankret tro

Abstract

As playful as it is existential: A study of Operatio Divina as a tool for living and rooted faith

This article examines Operatio Divina, a recently developed method of Bible reading that builds upon the tradition of Lectio Divina while introducing daily embodied practices inspired by the biblical text. Developed within the Norwegian network Etter Kristus, the method emphasizes learning through shared practice and reflection in community. The study investigates how long-term participation in Operatio Divina shapes individuals’ faith and experiences of meaning, and it explores the roles of community and practice in participants’ engagement with the method.

The study employs a phenomenological research design and draws on qualitative interviews with six participants who have practiced Operatio Divina over several years. The data are analyzed thematically and interpreted through the theoretical lenses of Wenger’s communities of practice and Schnell’s existential psychology of meaning.

The findings suggest that Operatio Divina fosters a more vibrant and grounded faith among participants. The method supports the integration of belief into everyday life, encourages renewed engagement with Scripture, and deepens participants’ experience of meaning through embodied and communal spiritual practices. The research highlights autonomy, creativity, and playful experimentation as key factors in learning and meaning-making. The study contributes to the growing field of research on embodied theology and communal spiritual formation and offers insight into how contemporary Bible-reading practices can promote sustainable faith development.