I have been thinking today of all that I do not know. That seems to be a common thread for me as I get older and realize all that was "true" when I was younger has been replaced with either new knowledge that has expanded understanding or new "truisms" that will be passe when the next self-proclaimed prodigy pops up.
I have had several occasions lately where folks have expressed frustration because a Bible verse is "misquoted". Often it is simply quoted from a different translation than the one most familiar to the frustrated one. Or someone is paraphrasing and the frustrated one does not like the interpretation shared. I am reminded of a conversation over doctrine a few decades ago where we were both firmly convinced our respective difference was clearly "scriptural."
Before the internet it was a major challenge to read several translations and commentaries and ask for comment from study buddies. Now I can review a verse not only in dozens of translations, but many languages. I can read the verses surrounding what I am pondering, the entire chapter or the book. I can check commentaries, identify other parts of the Bible that speak to the same topic, research denominational differences in interpretation and read the thoughts of many others pondering the same topics or passages.
I'm hoping that such ready resources will quell the idea that there is "one correct translation" and leave us more reliant on the Spirit of God to convict us of what Scripture would teach us this day. Since I have often read a passage at different times and gotten different guidance, comfort, insight, hope from even the same passage in the same translation I hope we get away from the idea that we can beat each other over the head with a passage of Scripture, arrogant that we can know with perfect clarity the mind of God.
I am so grateful for the Al-Anon tradition that speaks of sharing faith, hope and experience. Nowhere do I find this more appealing that in a Bible class or small group where we come together at different places in the journey of faith, with varied experiences and perspectives to share, with respect and affection as members of one body, seekers of truth, children of God and seeking to humbly serve the most high God.
Took me a while to figure out that God, having a plan for each of us personally, does not need me to do anything but be ready to serve as called by God according to His Plan. I can bloom where I am planted, love tenderly, tend gently and trust God wholly.
I have had several occasions lately where folks have expressed frustration because a Bible verse is "misquoted". Often it is simply quoted from a different translation than the one most familiar to the frustrated one. Or someone is paraphrasing and the frustrated one does not like the interpretation shared. I am reminded of a conversation over doctrine a few decades ago where we were both firmly convinced our respective difference was clearly "scriptural."
Before the internet it was a major challenge to read several translations and commentaries and ask for comment from study buddies. Now I can review a verse not only in dozens of translations, but many languages. I can read the verses surrounding what I am pondering, the entire chapter or the book. I can check commentaries, identify other parts of the Bible that speak to the same topic, research denominational differences in interpretation and read the thoughts of many others pondering the same topics or passages.
I'm hoping that such ready resources will quell the idea that there is "one correct translation" and leave us more reliant on the Spirit of God to convict us of what Scripture would teach us this day. Since I have often read a passage at different times and gotten different guidance, comfort, insight, hope from even the same passage in the same translation I hope we get away from the idea that we can beat each other over the head with a passage of Scripture, arrogant that we can know with perfect clarity the mind of God.
I am so grateful for the Al-Anon tradition that speaks of sharing faith, hope and experience. Nowhere do I find this more appealing that in a Bible class or small group where we come together at different places in the journey of faith, with varied experiences and perspectives to share, with respect and affection as members of one body, seekers of truth, children of God and seeking to humbly serve the most high God.
Took me a while to figure out that God, having a plan for each of us personally, does not need me to do anything but be ready to serve as called by God according to His Plan. I can bloom where I am planted, love tenderly, tend gently and trust God wholly.
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