Author | Vagabond Preacher | Lover of the Poor | Grandpa
I’ve been a pretty avid student of the Bible for over forty years and I’m still learning new things all the time – seeing stuff I never noticed before. I like to think that it has more to do with the enormity of data and the depth of spiritual revelation to be had than with my inability to absorb it, but the latter doubtless has a lot to do with it.
Interestingly enough, another factor that contributes to my recent biblical learning curve is my “retirement” from over thirty years of pastoring. At least for me, , though I wasn’t aware of it at the time, my ability to think freely was somewhat limited by the expectation to come up with something edifying to say every seven days. I loved pastoring (well, some of it), especially the Bible teaching part, but looking back on it now I realize that I didn’t allow myself the luxury of thinking outside the box. If I did start such speculative reflection I would restrain myself so as not to bring a lot of incomplete theories and untested assumptions to the people waiting to be fed on Sunday. Instead of confusing musings I wanted to share what I knew to be true. Now, since I have no reason for such restraint, I’ve been able to take the time to muse and meditate, to travel down experimental paths I wouldn’t have gone down in the past. Not having to sermonize every Sunday has liberated me to approach Scripture with a more open mind.
As a result I’m finding that some of my formerly held interpretations of a number of passages suspect. I haven’t changed my opinions about anything essential to the Faith, nor have I moved away from my confidence in Scripture. It’s my confidence in a few of my formerly held interpretations of it that have stretched. My view of the Scripture is basically the same, but my view of a number of Scriptures has modified – I hope for the better. In my open ended musing I have discovered other ways to look at some passages of Scripture.
I’m certainly not saying that these posts represent the other way, the only way, or necessarily even the best way to see these passages and biblical themes. I claim no incontrovertible understanding of God or his Word. In fact, if anything, I’m more aware of my fallibility than ever, so, as you read the following essays, don’t take my word for it. Discern for yourself what you think are the most accurate interpretations and come to your own conclusions. If nothing else, maybe the fact that I’m admitting a shift in my opinions will give you the confidence to make shifts in yours, even if and when you shift in a different direction than I do. Some glad day our interpretations of Scripture will be of no consequence.
Some of these essays represent not so much a change of view, but a challenge of a predominantly held view in Evangelical circles. No doubt that for some people their opinions are so affectionately held that you’d think the were family members that have to be protected at all costs. With great audacity Jesus risked early martyrdom when he alleged to a Jewish audience not the least bit flexible about their theology, “You don’t know the Scripture or the power of God!”
If you’re emotionally attached to your views and even Samson couldn’t pry you apart from them, you’ll have no argument from me if you choose stay attached. But if you’d be willing to try on some of my ideas for size, if they don’t fit, feel free to keep wearing your broken in ideas. (I said, “broken in” not “broken down.” There’s a difference.) I just hope you’ll invoke the Spirit’s assistance as you read the Word, consider what I say, keep an open mind, and come to your own conclusions.
Oh, and by the way, I’d really like your feedback on anything with which you disagree or even agree with me. I welcome you – even urge you – to share your thoughts with me and with our blogosphere friends. Your other way of looking at it might well be better than my other way.
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“Let the tears roll like a river, day and night, and keep at it—no time-outs. Keep those tears flowing!” Lamentations 2:18 (The Message Bible) A friend of mine had just come from visiting a church’s worship service when I asked him what he thought. He was complimentary of the gathering as a whole but made one …
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