What Is the Bible?

1. The Bible is a human book with divine inspiration

The Bible did not drop out of the sky; it was written by people.

Human authorship, divine insight. The Bible is a collection of books written by real people in real places at real times, reflecting their cultures, perspectives, and limitations. However, these writers were also grappling with profound truths about human existence, morality, and the divine. Their writings capture both the earthly and the transcendent.

Evolving understanding. As a human document, the Bible shows an evolution of ideas and theology over time. Earlier writings often reflect more primitive understandings of God and morality, while later texts show more sophisticated and nuanced views. This progression demonstrates humanity's growing spiritual and ethical awareness.

Inspiration, not dictation. The concept of divine inspiration doesn't mean God dictated every word, but rather that the authors were moved by their experiences and understanding of the divine to write. This understanding allows readers to engage with the text critically while still finding spiritual value and insight.

2. Reading the Bible requires context and interpretation

If you're bored reading the Bible, then you aren't reading the Bible.

Historical and cultural context. Understanding the historical, cultural, and literary context of biblical passages is crucial for proper interpretation. Without this context, readers may misunderstand or misapply the text's meaning.

Layers of meaning. The Bible often contains multiple layers of meaning, including:

• Literal/historical: What actually happened or was said
• Symbolic/metaphorical: Deeper truths conveyed through imagery
• Moral/ethical: Principles for living and behavior
• Theological: Insights about God and spirituality

Interpretive lenses. Different readers and traditions approach the Bible with various interpretive lenses, such as:

• Literal interpretation
• Allegorical interpretation
• Historical-critical method
• Liberation theology
• Feminist interpretation

Understanding these different approaches can enrich one's reading and prevent narrow or dogmatic interpretations.

3. The Bible's narrative arc is about love, redemption, and human progress

According to Paul, this is what brings God pleasure.

Overarching themes. The Bible's grand narrative centers on:

• God's love for humanity
• The redemption of individuals and communities
• The progression of human understanding and ethics

From tribalism to universalism. The Bible shows a movement from narrow, tribal conceptions of God and morality to more universal and inclusive understandings. This progression reflects humanity's spiritual and ethical growth over time.

Redemptive arc. Throughout the biblical narrative, there's a consistent theme of redemption:

• Personal redemption (individual transformation)
• Social redemption (justice and equality)
• Cosmic redemption (renewal of all creation)

This redemptive arc provides hope and purpose, inspiring readers to participate in the ongoing work of personal and societal transformation.

4. Jesus reinterpreted scripture through a lens of radical love and inclusion

Jesus couldn't care less.

Challenging tradition. Jesus consistently challenged narrow, legalistic interpretations of scripture, often shocking his audience by:

• Associating with outcasts and "sinners"
• Healing on the Sabbath
• Challenging religious authorities

Emphasizing love and mercy. Jesus prioritized love, compassion, and mercy over strict adherence to religious law. He summarized the entire law as loving God and loving one's neighbor.

Expanding the circle. Through parables and actions, Jesus consistently expanded the definition of who was included in God's love and care:

• The Good Samaritan (loving one's enemy)
• The Prodigal Son (unconditional forgiveness)
• The Woman at the Well (crossing social and religious boundaries)

This radical reinterpretation of scripture forms the foundation of Christian ethics and theology.

5. The Bible critiques power and champions the oppressed

History is usually told by the strong, who, with great flourish, tell you about all of those they conquered and all the brave acts they did.

Voice of the marginalized. The Bible often tells stories from the perspective of the oppressed, challenging the narratives of the powerful. This includes:

• Slaves in Egypt
• Exiles in Babylon
• The poor and outcast in Jesus' ministry

Prophetic critique. The prophetic books consistently call out:

• Social injustice
• Economic exploitation
• Religious hypocrisy
• Abuse of power

God's preferential option for the poor. Throughout the Bible, God is portrayed as being especially concerned with the welfare of:

• Widows
• Orphans
• Foreigners
• The poor and marginalized

This emphasis challenges readers to consider their own relationship to power and privilege, and to work for justice and equality.

6. Sin is a disturbance of God's intended peace and harmony

Sin is culpable disturbance of shalom.

Shalom defined. Shalom is the Hebrew concept of peace, wholeness, and harmony. It encompasses:

• Peace with God
• Peace with oneself
• Peace with others
• Peace with creation

Sin as disruption. Rather than merely breaking rules, sin is understood as any action that disrupts this intended harmony. This can include:

• Personal actions that harm oneself or others
• Social systems that perpetuate injustice
• Environmental destruction

Restoration, not punishment. The biblical view of sin focuses more on restoration of shalom than on punishment. This involves:

• Personal transformation
• Reconciliation in relationships
• Working for social justice
• Care for creation

This understanding of sin and shalom provides a holistic framework for ethics and spirituality.

7. The Bible invites readers to engage, question, and wrestle with its content

When you read the Bible and you don't have those questions, you're probably not reading the Bible.

Active engagement. The Bible is not meant to be passively received, but actively engaged with. This includes:

• Asking difficult questions
• Wrestling with contradictions
• Applying critical thinking

Dialogue and debate. The biblical tradition includes examples of arguing with God (Job, Abraham) and debating interpretations (Rabbinical traditions, Early Church councils).

Personal application. Readers are encouraged to:

• Consider how the text applies to their own life
• Engage in communal interpretation and discussion
• Allow the text to challenge and transform their thinking and behavior

This approach to scripture fosters spiritual growth, intellectual honesty, and a dynamic faith.

8. Biblical authority comes from interpretation and relational trust

Authority is when you give weight, power, and influence to something.

Interpretation is inevitable. Every reading of the Bible involves interpretation, whether conscious or unconscious. Factors influencing interpretation include:

• Cultural background
• Personal experiences
• Theological traditions
• Academic training

Relational dimension. Biblical authority is not abstract, but relational. It involves trusting:

• The community that produced and preserved the texts
• The interpreters and teachers one learns from
• One's own ability to engage with the text

Responsible interpretation. Recognizing the interpretive nature of biblical authority calls for:

• Humility in one's own interpretations
• Openness to other perspectives
• Ongoing study and reflection

This understanding of authority encourages a more mature and nuanced engagement with scripture.

9. The Bible's contradictions reflect evolving human understanding of God

Over time, people evolved in their thinking about God.

Apparent contradictions. The Bible contains numerous apparent contradictions, including:

• Different creation accounts
• Varying genealogies
• Conflicting moral teachings

Evolving theology. Rather than seeing these as errors, they can be understood as reflecting humanity's evolving understanding of God and ethics. Examples include:

• Movement from polytheism to monotheism
• Developing concepts of afterlife and judgment
• Expanding circle of moral concern

Contextual understanding. Recognizing this evolution encourages readers to:

• Understand texts in their historical context
• Appreciate the overall trajectory of biblical thought
• Apply critical thinking to their own theological development

This approach allows for a more sophisticated and nuanced reading of scripture.

10. The Bible's power lies in embracing its messy, beautiful humanity

To fully appreciate the Bible, you have to let it be what it is.

Embracing complexity. The Bible's power comes not from avoiding its complexities, but from embracing them. This includes:

• Literary diversity (poetry, history, letters, etc.)
• Cultural specificities
• Moral ambiguities

Human and divine. The Bible's unique power lies in its ability to capture both the human and divine aspects of existence. It reflects:

• Human struggles, doubts, and failings
• Glimpses of transcendent truth and beauty

Transformative potential. By engaging with the Bible in all its messy humanity, readers can:

• Find connection with the human experiences portrayed
• Be challenged and inspired by its vision of divine reality
• Participate in the ongoing story of human spiritual growth

This approach to scripture allows for a more honest, mature, and potentially transformative engagement with the text.

Last updated: August 2, 2024