Tag Archives: Bible
Beginner’s Mind
Jesus and the Bible Beginner’s Mind Friday, January 11, 2019 I’d like to offer some spiritual advice so that you can read Scripture the way that Jesus did and use it for good purposes. Offer a prayer for guidance from the Holy Spirit before you make your interpretation of an important text. With an open… Continue Reading Beginner’s Mind
The Law Says . . . But I Say
Jesus and the Bible The Law Says . . . But I Say Thursday, January 10, 2019 Today we will continue looking at the way Jesus used the Scriptures with some specific examples: He openly disagrees with Scriptures that emphasize non-essentials and “mere human commandments” that made their way into what are presented as divine… Continue Reading The Law Says . . . But I Say
Jesus’ Hermeneutic
Jesus and the Bible Jesus’ Hermeneutic Wednesday, January 9, 2019 Jesus’ approach to interpreting sacred text was radical for his time, yet honored his own Hebrew Bible (or what Christians call the Old Testament). Even though Jesus’ use of Scripture is plain enough for us to see in the Gospels, many Christians are accustomed to… Continue Reading Jesus’ Hermeneutic
Many Ways of Knowing
Jesus and the Bible Many Ways of Knowing Tuesday, January 8, 2019 Unknown to many post-Reformation Christians, early centuries of Christianity—through authoritative teachers like Origen, Cyril of Alexandria, Augustine, and Gregory the Great—encouraged as many as seven “senses” of Scripture. The literal, historical, allegorical, moral, symbolic, eschatological (the trajectory of history and growth), and “primordial”… Continue Reading Many Ways of Knowing
Midrash
Jesus and the Bible Midrash Monday, January 7, 2019 More than telling us exactly what to see in the Scriptures, Jesus taught us how to see, what to emphasize, and also what could be de-emphasized or ignored. Beyond fundamentalism or literalism, Jesus practiced a form that the Jewish people called midrash, consistently using questions to keep spiritual meanings open, often reflecting… Continue Reading Midrash
What Do We Do with the Bible?
Jesus and the Bible What Do We Do with the Bible? Sunday, January 6, 2019 Epiphany For all its inspiration, for all the lives it has changed, the Bible is undeniably problematic. Put in the hands of egocentric, unloving, or power-hungry people or those who have never learned how to read spiritually inspired literature, it… Continue Reading What Do We Do with the Bible?
Recovering Our Balance
Unknowing: Week 1 Recovering Our Balance Monday, October 1, 2018 Can you find out the depths of God? Or find out the perfection of the Almighty? It is higher than the heavens; so what can you do? It is deeper than Sheol; so what can you know? It is longer than the earth and broader… Continue Reading Recovering Our Balance
Reconnecting to Our Original Identity
Creation: Week 1 Reconnecting to Our Original Identity Tuesday, February 13, 2018 For what can be known about God is plain . . . because God has made it plain. . . . Ever since the creation of the world, God’s invisible nature, namely, God’s eternal power and deity, have been there for the mind… Continue Reading Reconnecting to Our Original Identity
Mythos and Logos
Creation: Week 1 Mythos and Logos Monday, February 12, 2018 The Judeo-Christian creation story is told in the form of a cosmic poem (Genesis 1). The realm of myth, art, and poetry can heal and create coherence, connection, and deep trust for the human psyche much better than prose that “tells it like it is.”… Continue Reading Mythos and Logos