I have an assignment for one of my Bible classes coming up, and I need your help. This is your chance to contribute to graduate level work in the field of religious studies. Do not pass this up! Whether you know me personally or not, whether you do it anonymously or not, respond to this post with a comment. Okay? Okay!
Here's what I need, it's simple: I'm reading a book (it's called Judges and Method, if you're interested) that contains a sampling of several relatively new approaches to biblical study and interpretation. One of the things that the content and the structure of the book implies is that there are in fact several different ways that a person can approach the biblical text. That there is not just one way to read or interpret the Bible.
I'll be writing a paper on the book and one of the questions I'm dealing with is this: Given the fact that so many readers of the Bible are people of faith who come to it expecting a single, clear "word" or message; and given the fact that many people expect scholars to tell them what the biblical text "really meant," how do you think most people of faith would respond to the exposure of such a range of approaches?
So what do you think? I need you to be honest, and I want a broad range of opinions... so lay it on think. How/what do you feel about the concept that there might be a range of approaches to the Bible? that there may not be one fixed meaning to any given biblical text?
(PS - If any of you who think that the Bible is entirely dull ended up disregarding my initial caveat and you're still reading this post - you should read the book of Judges and see if that doesn't cause you to reconsider... it's totally wild, not for the faint of heart.)
I don't claim to be a graduate level thinker by any means, but I did have a couple things pop into my head so I thought I would write them.
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't bother me to think that people approach the Bible in different ways. Not knowing what the different ways are that the book you're reading names, I can't comment on them specifically, but it seems it would be impossible for everyone to come at it the same way. People's backgrounds, experiences, education, culture... all of that will affect the way a person studies the Bible.
While I do believe that there are a few things (vital things) in the Bible that are very black and white, there are also a lot of gray areas.
Two reasons I think it's not "wrong" to have different ways of studying the Bible come from the Bible itself.
1. Scripture says that the Word of God is alive. While I don't think that means Scripture changes, I do think it means that it can mean something different to different people at different times.
2. If you're studying Scripture as a Christian, then you have the Holy Spirit guiding you as you go. No matter which way you choose to study it, as long as you are submitted to the Holy Spirit, you'll get where you are supposed to go.
I believe true faith is going to be lived out more in the investigation of the scriptures. I have to be okay with wrestling with different thoughts and interpretations. I am okay with that wrestling because I trust God enough to reveal to my heart truth.
ReplyDeleteNow, of course the great question is would I apply that principle to everyone I meet. I would like to say yes, but understand that some people may not be able to handle that kind of reading or dialogue. Using the Rob Bell "brick vs. spring" theory of study, there are some people who can't handle the investigation of their own faith.
I do firmly believe that we must not have a dominant group of "cookie cutter" Christians who only take things in second handed, but that we would have those who "think" for themselves and search out the scriptures to grow. That latter group gives permission to ask the question..why?
So bring on the diverse study, I would love it. It doesn't mean I will agree with it all, but how are we stretched if we don't read or study some things we don't necessarily believe in?
Keith
Aram,
ReplyDeleteGood question. Probably due to a series of life experiences - some arguably very ‘normal’ and some very unique - I find myself wrestling often with the ‘meaning’ of the words in the Bible. For example, am I doing something ‘wrong’ in the eyes of God as a female military leader since I have not yet found a plethora of messages in the Bible on how I should be conducting myself in my profession? I don’t think so. Nor do I believe that God’s intent for me is to feel that way. The wide range of interpretations of the text seems to testify to its mystery in a way. I am not saying that there is no meaning or no direction provided in the Bible. But I wonder if we get a little too caught up with figuring out what the text means and lose sight of the value of story and what that story might mean to people after considering the filter through which they are sifting it. I do not think that it is wrong to approach the Bible in different ways than simply trying to interpret exactly what it means. I believe it was written as direction, but also to spark our interest towards something mysterious deep inside of us that we may not always have a way of explaining. I am much happier on the days that I accept that it is okay to be unable to explain everything that has to do with life.
Aram,
ReplyDeleteFirst off, I like you. And I hope you read Virginia Woolf if you haven't already.
The question of exposing "the christian" to many perceptions or interpretations of a particular, biblical text is not that different from the status quo. For example, a single biblical text is used in a many messages every year in a church service. Each message or teaching bends the passage in a different direction for the teaching's cause. The average Christian might not be aware of such practice, but the poly-interpretations are very much latent in Christian practice as of now. This is also displayed in the many sects of Christianity-Baptists, Presbyterians, Catholics and etcetera.
The average Christian might not recognize these perspectives, but they are within the Christian culture whether they are aware of it or not.
To suggest an approach to your final questions, I am personally okay with the idea that Truth is only viewed through many lens (perspective). It seems that Truth can never be grasped, articulate or seen. There are "Moments of Being" to quote Virginia Woolf, but ultimately, we all view a "flower" with different angles. But at times, we think we know the flower and all its beauty.
Some say the text is living. Well, all text is living, not just one. I would say this notion compliments the many texts that makeup the bible. There are many texts that are alive and have different perspectives. Truth becomes suspended with these many perspectives. An example is the gospels. Four different perspectives of Jesus's life. But why have these perspectives? This question is rather simple and more simple to answer in a modernist sense. But then, Why did Jesus not write anything himself? Why didn't he have a mission statement in stone? This question is much more complicated sense teachers at the time were writing their teachings down.
We must exist in the suspension that perception gives us (i.e. faith.)
If there is one thing the bible speaks of as a whole is that there is not one truth that we can grasp and hold and fight for. But one truth we can seek and explore. Through life, many would argue that the know truth, they know god. I understand this emotional feeling. But this feeling changes as a christian (or any other religious individual) states that their perception of "God" changes from day to day, sermon to sermon, year to year.
P.S. Not sure if this assists your essay or not. I hope so. It is fairly interesting topic though it will be difficult for you to not fall into the circular arguments of truth and perceptions of truth. Knowing and that knowing feeling.
Can't wait to speak with you over Christmas or even Thanksgiving. I want to learn from you. Expect questions :)
Jeffrey
Hi, Aram!
ReplyDeleteIt seems there are a couple of different questions here -- what do I think most people of faith in the Bible would think about the idea of multiple perspectives on interpretation, and what do I personally think.
Here's my honest experience. While it might not be true in general, in faith communities I've been a part of, most people feel the biblical message is pretty straightforward. You have your confusing texts like Revelation, and you have certain "gray areas" (is it OK to be a Christian and drink alcohol? can women be pastors?), but the "important stuff" is clear -- like salvation. I think people hold onto the idea that "the important stuff" is clear because otherwise they become rootless and unsure. Life and faith become too nebulous. So -- the idea of multiple perspectives and interpretations can be unsettling. Why deal with it? Just keep doing what you know.
For some of us, though (like me), that environment becomes stifling and doesn't work with our real-life experience. When things don't fit into the box, or when we meet people who understand things very differently and yet don't seem "wrong," we have a few options -- get rid of the person/thing causing us the conflict, leave the faith completely, or open up to the possibility of new ways of understanding. For me, the idea that there are new ways to understand has been a lifesaver. I don't think I'd still be in the church if I had to stick with the exact way of interpreting that I grew up with.
I hope these thoughts help a bit -- let me know if you want to chat more!