I have been struggling with how we can stretch our minds and start to think of the bible from another perspective within the church. How, in a postmodern world, we can acknowledge the multiple lenses we use to read the bible, without somehow destroying the fact that this is a tradition and a heritage we want to hold on to. With all that thought about how we read and what we are trying to get out of it, I was directed to this New York Times article.
Op-Ed Columnist
Divided They Fall
By NICHOLAS D. KRISTOF
Published: April 17, 2008
Even
though the policy differences between the two Democratic candidates are minimal,
each camp is becoming increasingly aggravated at the other.
I was particularly intrigued by the title of a book referenced – and the idea of a “post-fact society.” It think that it is a true (eek – can I say that?) description of our world! we live as though there were no set truth – only what is right and true for me. Truth – as in capital “T” Truth, is elusive, if not downright dismissed, ignored, denied, well – you get the picture.
I am more prone to acknowledge that truth is NOT something that we can grasp in and of ourselves. I would be willing to talk about truth being held between us – as a collective truth (which some people would say is just a larger idea of relativity). But it’s also kind of Wesleyan – you know, that whole notion of christian conferencing and the spirit helping us discern the truth in our midst.
But if we are going to allow the Spirit to help us discern the truth – be it in the bible or in society, then we have to get out of the way and let the spirit work. We need to let go of our own presumptions. The article talks about getting in better “mental” shape – by reading thoughts and opinions that aren’t our own and getting used to thinking critically. I agree. But I also think that prayer plays a role.