Some time ago, I wrote about my disillusionment with the "plain meaning/teaching of Scripture." It is my contention that many of the interpretations which define "tribes" of Christians are really not so plain. Interpretations are plain between folks who share a particular perspective (i.e. history, values, meanings). Typically, we assume that our perspective is either the only perspective or at least the superior perspective. There is a great temptation to resist the appreciation of other perspectives. Understanding becomes more complicated once multiple perspectives are taken into account. It is also dangerous. Once you allow yourself to appreciate other perspectives, the impact on your consciousness cannot be undone. However, I believe I cannot hold claim to a search for truth and simultaneously defer appreciation of other points of view.
Today, Mike Cope has written a post that delves into these issues. I am begging you all to follow the link and read it. It is easy reading and reasonably short. Please share your thoughts. This is a very important discussion.
Mike Cope's 3/7 post.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Plain Management
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12 comments:
Jason,
I read that post earlier today and thought it was excellent. I thought of writing a link to it as you have but just haven't had the time. Thanks for saving me the trouble. Great minds think alike I guess.
We do tend to think alike. I suppose we must leave it to others to supply the appropriate adjective.
Nice link,
I tend to agree with his ideas. I also read throught all the comments and found them as interesting as well. Especially the spaghetti analogy. I do not have time now, but I'll try to comment a little more later.
Come on, you bunch of pansies, let's have some comments!
I know you've read the post.
Calm down Jason, remember, our readership is growing.
Calm down Jason, remember, our readership is growing.
You only need to tell me once!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Taylor. Mike Cope has posted a second part to his discussion of the Bible.
We have Mike Cope listed in our "Recommended Links" to the right of this page.
I think in the matter of this discussion you have to remember who it is you have faith in, God. If God can't get His Word across in the way He wants us to know it, we might as well not try.
No man is infallible. Whether writing, interpreting or reading, but GOD IS and His Holy Word will stand as He wants it to stand.
I appreciate your input, Gabe. Thanks for commenting.
In my own quest to make sense of my personal religious heritage as it relates to other denominations, I have come to see the concept of values as important. Growing up in the CofC has conditioned us to value certain things: simplicity of worship, congregational independence, pattern-thinking, to name a few. It has also conditioned us to devalue certain things (e.g. tradition, mystery, emotions, all things remotely associated with Catholicism). I believe that such values greatly impact my own biblical reading comprehension.
Let me clarify. I am not suggesting that we have it all wrong. Not at all. I am deeply greatful to my particular upbringing. I desire to study and appreciate it more completely. I am suggesting that we are short of having it all right.
Mike Cope is pointing to community and humility as helpful for continued growth. I think he is pointing in good directions.
Please, continue to share thoughts.
Taylor,
I'll jump in on the 'baptism of water' contrasted with the 'baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire.' Not too long ago, I was reading John's parallel to the passage you have cited from Matthew. It occurred to me that the word "baptism" is a barrier for me. I tend to over-focus on baptism as a physical event and miss the flow of the passage. I eventually found it helpful to substitute the word "initiate" in the place of "baptism." That helped me to give my attention to the contrast between water and Spirit/fire. Jesus' followers were to be endowed with power that would greatly surpass the ministry of John.
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