The Bible Tells Me So

1. The Bible: An Ancient, Multifaceted Mirror

The Bible itself, taken on its own terms, raises difficult questions and challenges for faith.

Ancient context. The Bible isn't a timeless instruction manual but a collection of ancient texts reflecting the beliefs, values, and perspectives of people living in a vastly different world. Understanding this antiquity is crucial for interpreting its contents responsibly.

Diverse voices. The Bible isn't a monolithic entity but a compilation of diverse voices, genres, and perspectives spanning centuries. Recognizing this diversity allows for a richer and more nuanced understanding of its message.

Mirror for the soul. The Bible serves as a mirror, reflecting our own struggles, joys, and questions back to us. By engaging with its stories and teachings, we can gain deeper insights into ourselves and our relationship with God.

2. Beyond the Surface: Stories as Vessels of Meaning

All attempts to put the past into words are interpretations of the past, not “straight history.”

Purposeful narratives. Biblical narratives aren't objective historical accounts but purposeful stories crafted to convey specific messages, inspire faith, and shape identity. Recognizing this intentionality is key to unlocking their deeper meaning.

Shaping the past. Biblical writers often shaped the past to serve the needs of the present, adapting and reinterpreting events to address contemporary concerns and communicate their understanding of God's will. Examples include:

• The differing accounts of Israel's monarchy in Samuel/Kings and Chronicles
• The diverse portrayals of Jesus in the four Gospels

Stories as models. The Bible's stories serve as models for our own spiritual journeys, offering guidance, inspiration, and comfort as we navigate the complexities of faith. They invite us to engage with the text actively and discern its relevance to our lives.

3. God's Children Telling the Story: Human Perspective in Scripture

The Bible looks the way it does because “God lets his children tell the story,” so to speak.

Human agency. The Bible is a product of human agency, reflecting the perspectives, limitations, and cultural contexts of its authors. Recognizing this human element doesn't diminish its divine inspiration but enriches our understanding of its message.

Limited understanding. The biblical writers' understanding of God was shaped by their time and place, and their perspectives may not always align with modern sensibilities. Acknowledging these limitations allows us to engage with the text honestly and critically.

Authentic encounters. Despite their limitations, the biblical writers' encounters with God were genuine and authentic. Their stories offer valuable insights into the nature of faith and the human-divine relationship.

4. The Evolving Image of God: From Tribal Warrior to Universal Father

Sweating bullets to line up the Bible with our exhausting expectations, to make the Bible something it’s not meant to be, isn’t a pious act of faith, even if it looks that way on the surface.

Diverse portrayals. The Bible presents a diverse and sometimes contradictory image of God, ranging from a tribal warrior to a compassionate shepherd. Recognizing this diversity allows for a more complete and nuanced understanding of God's character.

Tribal God. The Old Testament often portrays God as a tribal deity, favoring Israel and commanding violence against its enemies. Understanding this portrayal within its historical context is crucial for interpreting it responsibly.

Universal God. The New Testament reveals a God who transcends tribal boundaries and extends his love and grace to all people. This universal vision challenges the limitations of the Old Testament portrayal and offers a more inclusive understanding of God's character.

5. Jesus: The Unexpected Climax of Israel's Story

Jesus was God’s climax to Israel’s story, but he was not bound to that story.

Surprise ending. Jesus's life, death, and resurrection represent a surprise ending to Israel's story, challenging traditional expectations and offering a new vision of God's kingdom. This unexpected climax requires a reinterpretation of the Old Testament in light of Jesus's teachings and example.

Fulfilling the Law. Jesus fulfilled the Law not by adhering to it rigidly but by embodying its spirit of love, justice, and compassion. His teachings often challenged traditional interpretations of the Law and offered a more radical vision of discipleship.

New covenant. Jesus's death and resurrection inaugurated a new covenant, extending God's grace to all people, regardless of their ethnicity or background. This new covenant transcends the limitations of the old covenant and offers a more inclusive path to salvation.

6. Paul's Radical Reimagining: A New Covenant for All

Creating a Bible that behaves itself doesn’t support the spiritual journey. It cripples it.

Universal message. Paul transformed Israel's story from an ethnic narrative into a universal message of salvation for all people. His teachings emphasized the equality of Jews and Gentiles in Christ and challenged traditional notions of religious identity.

Decentering Torah. Paul argued that Torah-keeping was no longer the primary means of relating to God, emphasizing faith in Christ as the path to righteousness. This radical reinterpretation of the Law sparked controversy and challenged the foundations of Jewish tradition.

New creation. Paul proclaimed that in Christ, a new creation had dawned, transcending the limitations of the old covenant and offering a new hope for humanity. This new creation is characterized by love, grace, and reconciliation, breaking down the barriers that divide people.

7. Trusting the Journey: Embracing Uncertainty in Faith

The Bible just as it is isn’t a problem to be fixed. It’s an invitation.

Embracing mystery. The Bible doesn't offer easy answers or simple solutions but invites us to embrace the mystery of faith and trust in God's guidance, even when the path is unclear. This embrace of mystery is essential for spiritual growth and maturity.

Questioning and wrestling. The Bible encourages questioning, wrestling, and grappling with its complexities. This active engagement with the text, rather than passive acceptance, is a sign of a vibrant and authentic faith.

Personal transformation. The ultimate goal of reading the Bible is not simply to acquire knowledge but to be transformed by its message. This transformation involves a willingness to let go of preconceived notions, embrace new perspectives, and live out the teachings of Jesus in our daily lives.

8. The Bible as Invitation: Wrestling with Scripture, Discovering God

Ironically, a safe, well-behaved Bible gives us an easy side path to evade this journey of faith, to give the appearance of piety, and in doing so sells the Bible short.

Invitation to explore. The Bible isn't a rulebook to be followed blindly but an invitation to explore the depths of faith, grapple with its complexities, and discover God's presence in our lives. This exploration requires courage, humility, and a willingness to be challenged.

Respecting the text. Respecting the Bible means engaging with it honestly and critically, acknowledging its historical context, diverse perspectives, and inherent limitations. It also means allowing the text to speak for itself, rather than imposing our own preconceived notions upon it.

Deeper faith. By accepting the challenge of the Bible, we can embark on a journey of spiritual growth, discovering a deeper faith and a more profound understanding of God's love and grace. This journey is not always easy, but it is always worth it.

Last updated: February 26, 2025