The Bible Part Two

For the last month our church has been discussing David Lose's Making Sense of Scripture.  We discussed questions concerning how the Bible is true, how to read the Bible for deeper understanding, and how the Bible was put together.  The conversation was a blessing and allowed people to be honest about their doubts, questions, and insights.  

I am thankful for books like this that invite us to open the pages of Scripture rather than thinking the Bible is only for people with seminary degrees on the wall.  In fact, the whole reformed faith is built upon people reading Scripture together.  Martin Luther translated the Bible so people in his congregation could read the Word.  

Yet, it is difficult to wrap our minds around some stories and we can get discouraged when stories seem so distant from our lives; which is why it is good to read in a community.  Verses you struggle with, someone else might have a keen insight into.  Trying to read the Bible as a solo endeavor can be frustrating, but when we read with each other it opens us to other ways of reading.  One of the definitions of "religion" is to re-read.  Every Sunday we gather to re-read the Words that have spoken to our ancestors.  We re-read Scripture and Scripture has a chance to re-read our lives and enter in with a fresh Word. 

As a brief, over simplified, summary of our conversation, we learned that the Bible is true not in a way that we can prove.  Rather to claim the Bible is true is more like the way I say I love my family is true.  I cannot prove that beyond a shadow of a doubt.  In fact, it is really only since the Enlightenment that some have even tried to prove the Bible true using a scientific approach.  Before that, for thousands of years in the hearts of millions, Scripture was true in a completely different way.  We spoke about reading Scripture not in a linear fashion, but as a way of quenching our human thirst.  We read not looking "just for the facts, ma'am".  But we read to see which of the tiny words on the thin pages awaken different emotions and insights and questions.  Finally, we learned that the Bible did not just descend on a cloud from the heavens, but was actually thoughtfully put together by humans who included some books and did not include others.  They included books that were being widely read by faithful communities.  There can be great insights into the faith from other books not included, but there was really no conspiracy...despite what Dan Brown may think.

I pray you will find your Bible and find time to engage others in reading.  Other friends, other family members, others in your church.  There is so much in the good book that can awaken a connection to God if only we are willing to dwell with these words.

God's blessings and peace