One way to understand SR as a method of interpretation might be to formulate its rules. However, SRScriptural Reasoning is practiced in a wide variety of ways, with no "official" bodies or authorities for SR, and its practitioners tend to resist any attempt to determine the practice in terms of a single set of rules.<ref>For example, {{Harvnb|Ochs|2013|p=627}} says, "Scriptural Reasoning exists, formally and materially, only where it is practiced, and the practice integrates formal and material elements that can be abstracted only for the sake of analysis."</ref> Emily Filler produced a list of "SR Guidelines" that are frequently used to introduce the practice of SR to beginners.<ref>{{Harvnb|scripturalreasoning.org}}. These guidelines are in the public ___domain. {{Harvnb|Ochs|2019|90n10}} calls these a "useful resource for [Formational Scriptural Reasoning] study." For another attempt to formulate "rules" of SR, see {{Harvnb|Kepnes|2006}}.</ref><blockquote>'''1. Stick to the texts.''' Scriptural Reasoning is much more fruitful if the discussion remains focused on the texts in front of you – rather than becoming a general discussion on religion. You can draw from sources other than the passage in front of you, but you should always be able to connect what you say to the texts.
'''2. Use the original languages to expand conversation, not close it down.''' No English translation is perfect and most people in the group will not be familiar with all the original languages. Thus, while the original language of a text may provide added nuance to an interpretation, the discussion should be based primarily on the English translation. Don't use the original languages to shut down discussion.
