The Bible
Last week in this space, my friend and colleague, Ed Allard, in his analysis of a recent column I had written made some observations concerning my views on the inspiration of scripture.
I certainly do not wish to engage in a theological debate on the pages of this newspaper. I believe that the readers of The Monticello News do not look to this column for theological debate; rather, they read this column, whether written by me or another, for inspiration.
Yet, that said, after the recent column by Rev. Allard, I feel compelled to take this opportunity to discus what the Bible means to me.
Let me begin by saying very simply I believe the Bible to be God’s word. As a United Methodist I hold that the Bible as read through the light of tradition, (the teachings of the church) reason, and experience stands at the heart of the Christian faith.
Indeed a core belief of United Methodists is that scripture is “the primary source and criterion for Christian doctrine.” (United Methodist Book of Discipline, p.78)
The problem is that many of us define the term “God’s word” differently. I understand the Bible to be the story of God revealing himself to the world.
In the Old Testament God reveals himself through creation, through his relationship with the ancient Hebrews, through the words of the prophets, and through the poetry and wisdom writings of the ancient Hebrews.
{{more}}
In the New Testament, we see God revealed in the teachings of Jesus and in the story of his life, death and resurrection. We also see God revealed through the story of the early church and through the correspondence of its leaders.
As we turn every page of scripture we get another glimpse into God’s marvelous revelation for his people. Thus the Bible is God’s word.
The church and the Bible enjoy a symbiotic relationship. The Bible serves to guide the church as it seeks to carry out the ministry of Jesus Christ in service to the world. The church serves as a trustee of the word of God.
The church takes the Good News found in scripture, and proclaims that news to a world that needs to hear both through precept and example. The church and the Bible can best be described as the Siamese twin children of God.
Christians often debate various points from the Bible and about the Bible. Yet, while we debate there is a world that needs to hear the central message of the Bible, and that is we have a God that loves us and has offered us salvation and life through Jesus Christ.
We all have our beliefs about the Bible, but the most important is not our beliefs but that we grasp the essential truth of scripture that is found in Jesus.
One of the distressing things that I have observed over the years is the use of the Bible to justify human agendas. The Bible at times has been used to justify slavery, racism, and the unequal treatment of women.
Democrats love to quote one set of Biblical passages while Republicans love to quote other passages. All too often the Bible has been used as tool of judgment and condemnation rather than of grace and salvation.
This points to the one thing that we all need to remember about the Bible—it is God’s word not ours. Maybe we should spend more time reading the Bible than we do taking about it.