ABSTRACT
This introductory chapter presents the conceptual and methodological foundations of a study on intercultural biblical interpretation within the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF). It is divided into five main sections. The first part introduces the research problem, objectives, and central questions guiding the study, focusing on how Student Christian Movements (SCMs) from different cultural and ecclesial contexts interpret Scripture collaboratively in pairs, through digital dialogue. The second part situates the research within broader ecumenical and transcultural theological developments, outlining the shift from contextual and intercultural to transcultural paradigms. The third part discusses the relevance of WSCF and its SCMs as an exemplary case for analysing global Christian interactions. The fourth part presents the selected biblical text, Acts 15:1–41 (“The Jerusalem Council”), and justifies its use as a model narrative for exploring negotiation, inclusion, and unity in diversity among the Church. The fifth part describes the study’s methodological innovations, including its empirical and digital design, theoretical limitations, and interdisciplinary contributions, bridging theology and empirical religious research.
