Between Easter and Pentecost the revised common lectionary offers many scripture passages from the Acts of the Apostles. A lot happens. We watch the newly evolving Christian movement take shape and spread. We see humans trying and failing and succeeding. We hear passionate speeches about the risen Christ (with fairly absolute language at times).
This is our community – these are the folks who got it all started for us! And, yet, sometimes they say things that make us twitch. In our connected world with an emphasis on respect for other’s beliefs and inter-religious dialogue, how do we see ourselves in these passionate apostles? They spoke boldly about who they were following and why everyone else should follow him too. Gulp. Not all of us today talk like that.
It got me thinking about the various lenses through which we read the bible, and how they influence our ability to hold, accept or challenge scripture. If we knew the prejudices and biases through which we read scripture, might that allow us to hold it with a wider berth?
Here is a short list:
- - Historical (politics, geography, sociology, archaeology, timelines, anthropology)
- - Narrative (what can I learn by placing myself in this story?)
- - Language and Translation (what is different in Greek, Hebrew, Latin etc. translations)
- - Literal vs Allegory
- - Feminist, hierarchical, matriarchal, patriarchal, cultural, economical
What are some of your lenses? And how do they shape the way you carry scripture?
See you Sunday,
Julie.