SANIBONANI GOOD DAY OUT THERE: THE WAY WE READ SCRIPTURES CAN EITHER FUEL OR OVERCOME CONFLICT. Rabbi Debbie Young-Somers and Rev. Ray Gaston say that too “often the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and discussion about it is fuelled by a way of reading scripture that owes more to biblical literalism that thoughtful explorations” The problem is that either side TENDS TO THROW “BIBLICAL QUOTES AT ONE ANOTHER AS EACH TRIES TO ASSERT DIVINE SANCTION IN SUPPORT OF THEIR PERSPECTIVE. Very little light is generated from such an encounter… TOO OFTEN WE READ SCRIPTURE AS A WAY TO BACK UP OUR ARGUMENT, RATHER THAN ALLOWING THE TEXT, AND AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE CONTEXT IN WHICH IT WAS WRITTEN, TO CHALLENGE OUR PREJUDICES.” This is one of the tasks of ordained ministers set aside to study and expound the scriptures in healthy ways. It is healthier to wrestle with an understanding of scripture than to take it literally. If you are struggling seek out a minister who has been trained in reading the Bible to assist you with your exploration. YOUR WORD IS A LAMP TO MY FEET, says the Psalmist. When we distort the scripture it leaves us in a twilight place. May your Thursday be a good one? Shalom Bishop Mike (Based on Words for Today 2013, p245) (29/08/13)
Posted on: Thu, 29 Aug 2013 03:45:35 +0000
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