I was visting with a friend the other day. She goes to one of the big mega-Baptist churches in town. Great girl; my age; very fun. And she is steeped in the fundamentalism I grew up with. The Bible, for her, is a literal account of people, places and events. Our conversation mostly revolved around her telling me what the Bible says about God; quoting scriptures the way I used to be able to. At some point during the hour or so we talked I thought, "Why is it that the church seems to rely soley on what the Bible says about God?" I like the Bible. I like the stories. I read about some facinating people and great events in their lives. Their stories seem to be timeless and I can relate to or learn from them. But...I don't believe (at least today) that every story is exactly the way modern man has translated an ancient language. Maybe some of the stories never really happened. I realize that I'm speaking heresay for some folks. I'm probably going to straight to hell. Oh, well. I like what Rob Bell says in his book, Velvet Elvis. "It's not that these stories happened, but that they happen." So, why does the Bible have to be the end all, be all for God? What about other great men and women through history who had just as great a faith as Abraham, Isaac or King David. Can't we learn about God from them, too? Maybe we do, but they don't seem to get the same credibility as Paul. Is this a dumb question? Maybe just an ignorant question? I'm certainly not a scholar nor do I have any formal education to speak very intelligently on the Bible and it's history. I'm just curious.
On another note, an Eagle update has been requested! TJ has played 2 games since I last posted scores. I can report one loss (sadly) and one win. TJ had great games both weeks. During one game he had just under 100 yards. During last week's game he didn't have many yards, but he had 3 touchdowns! YeeHaw!! We have the week off while we get ready for District play. Get ready Timberwolves...here we come!
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3 comments:
KJ - I have often wondered the same thing. Folks seems to have the impression that after Revelation, there is nothing else God is trying to tell us. I think that should be heresy. Jesus tells us that He is with us always...so why wouldn't he be communicating even now? I think those mindsets are actually limiting God's ability in the here-and-now by being stuck in the then-and-there. Its great to know the bible for its rich teachings, insight into God and inspiration, but I have learned that some folks know scripture but have no idea what it is saying, because they are too busy quoting it and not listening to it. Good blog! ~npp
KJ - here are my thoughts for what they're worth.
I think the significance and prominence of the Bible is appropriate (when taken as a whole), because it records God's saving interventions in the world of mankind AND also the reaction of mankind to these actions. This understanding aspect is the stuff that helps us to draw on the Bible 2000 years after the last entry.
However, I think that we should continue to learn from the experiences of others - including non-Christians - as they try to make sense of their spiritual needs and quests.
I'm with npp on the way that some people rely on the Bible. I don't think that it was ever inteded as some kind of manual for modern living. The ongoing work of the Holy Spirit must have something to teach us?
I'm probably way of on the heresy scale again, but... it won't be the last time!
Thanks for the Eagles updates!
YOU ABSOLUTELY ROCK ROCK ROCK!!!
and yes, you're right.
who made the bible god?
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