When Jesus came the first time, He spoke to a Torah literate “church”, the observant Jews of His day. But now we have a biblically illiterate church of no particular beliefs nor understanding. I think it’s not helpful to demand unconditional belief in the literal Word Of God, as written and in our possession. Why would I say such a horrible thing?
The Bible is perfect as God intended it to be when it came to us. But thousands of years of man’s involvement including innumerable translations have eliminated the literary historical and cultural contexts of the first century writings, not to mention the Old Testament.
Out of the shoot demands for total adherence to the word, as we possess it is going to be a stumbling block. We need to re/establish the narrative. Who is God? Why does He matter? Who is Jesus? Why should anyone care?
The Jewish faith, as has been explained to me, places great value on accuracy and even more on the narrative. Think of Jesus’s parables. Not provably true but infinitely more important than literal truth.
We can’t completely understand God nor His word. We can seek always greater understanding and while so doing, not create an impassable barrier for a biblically illiterate society. It’s up to us.
For some excellent light on "the prodigal son", see "The Cross & the Prodigal by Kenneth E. Bailey. In our day and time, we are missing most of the details of the story.
When Jesus came the first time, He spoke to a Torah literate “church”, the observant Jews of His day. But now we have a biblically illiterate church of no particular beliefs nor understanding. I think it’s not helpful to demand unconditional belief in the literal Word Of God, as written and in our possession. Why would I say such a horrible thing?
The Bible is perfect as God intended it to be when it came to us. But thousands of years of man’s involvement including innumerable translations have eliminated the literary historical and cultural contexts of the first century writings, not to mention the Old Testament.
Out of the shoot demands for total adherence to the word, as we possess it is going to be a stumbling block. We need to re/establish the narrative. Who is God? Why does He matter? Who is Jesus? Why should anyone care?
The Jewish faith, as has been explained to me, places great value on accuracy and even more on the narrative. Think of Jesus’s parables. Not provably true but infinitely more important than literal truth.
We can’t completely understand God nor His word. We can seek always greater understanding and while so doing, not create an impassable barrier for a biblically illiterate society. It’s up to us.
All that to say, He is God, and we are not.
For some excellent light on "the prodigal son", see "The Cross & the Prodigal by Kenneth E. Bailey. In our day and time, we are missing most of the details of the story.
Most of us could write a book on the extending details of the "Prodigal Son." It is a story that packs a punch.
Good word bro Stephen.
Hey, thanks, Jim. It is one of my favorite topics.