[Ab]using the Bible - R

Let's talk about the Bible.

Warning: this may get unpleasant and step on some toes. But it needs to be said.

If you, like me, were raised in the church, you've probably spent an enormous amount of time talking about the contents of the Bible without talking about the Bible itself. Namely, it's interesting the many different philosophies with which people read it, often without realizing their implicit assumptions. And this has a real impact on how we discuss, interpret, and live out the Bible today. 

Well sure, you may say, but the Bible is the Bible. It says what it says, it's God's word. How hard is that? We take every word seriously and we live out the commands. You don't get to pick and choose which parts of the Bible to follow.

It's this exact notion that I want to challenge. Namely, I want to ask two questions of this belief: do we really read the Bible that consistently? Also, is this how we should even be reading and using the Bible in the first place?

If this makes you uncomfortable, I beg you at least hear me out. Approach this conversation with an open mind. I am not challenging the authority, inspiration, or usefulness of the Bible. I write this as a professing, believing Christian, I promise. Let's have a conversation.

First, let's talk about consistency. I often find that the people who talk about the Bible in terms of simplicity and straightforwardness are talking about one or more very controversial issues: homosexuality, women's roles in the church, abortion, the interaction of Christianity with other faiths, etc. Now, I don't have the time nor the energy to try to argue one way or another on any of these issues. And let's face it, no one's mind will be settled by a blog post. But I do want to do a case study of sorts. The Bible does have plenty to say about these topics, it's true. And at face value, it seems like it should be rather easy to answer these questions. Let's talk.

Let a woman learn in silence with full submission. I permit no woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she is to keep silent. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. Yet she will be saved through childbearing, provided they continue in faith and love and holiness, with modesty. - 1 Timothy 2:11-15

 I'm not gonna lie, as far as biblical passages go, that sounds pretty explicit. And when people are talking about women in ministry, this is often one of the first passages to get brought up. The Bible is clear on this, and this should govern how we operate in worship.

But as you may know, this isn't all that this chapter talks about. Let's look at what comes just prior to this.

I desire, then, that in every place the men should pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument; also that the women should dress themselves modestly and decently in suitable clothing, not with their hair braided, or with gold, pearls, or expensive clothes, but with good works, as is proper for women who profess reverence for God. - 1 Timothy 2:8-10

For some reason, this part gets far less attention. If we take the teaching on women seriously, shouldn't we give this equal weight?  Why don't we have the same argument over men lifting holy hands in worship? Why don't we also forbid women from braiding their hair, wearing jewelry, or purchasing clothes that are too expensive? Did Paul fall asleep at the wheel while writing this first part? Or is this a cultural issue?

My point in bringing this up is that you have to make some decisions when reading passages like this one. Most people would agree that some commandments in our Bible were more fitting for certain cultural aspects at the time when the Bible was written. For example, greeting each other with a holy kiss or treating our slaves with respect. But other commandments are for all people of all time. When people say that the Bible is simple to understand, they generally imply that the commandments fit on this side of the spectrum.

What I want people to realize is that all biblical reading involves interpretation, whether you realize it or not. As you read, you make decisions about how various passages are to bee understood today. Even if you claim to give the same weight to every word in the Bible, it is never that simple. If you argue that God is very clear about homosexuality in Leviticus, you have to acknowledge that God is equally clear about people with tattoos (Lev. 19:28), the fairness of purchasing slaves from surrounding nations (Lev. 25:44-46), or eating pork (Lev. 11:7). You don't get to pick and choose which parts of the Bible to follow.

Now, let's talk about whether that's how the Bible should be read.

Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question:“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” - Matthew 22:34-36

And Jesus did NOT reply, "all commandments are equally important." Jesus did NOT reply, "it's God's word, I uphold all laws equally.

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” - Matthew 22:37-40

This is one of the only times in the Gospels when Jesus gives a straight answer to a direct question. Jesus is very clear about exactly where the people should place the emphasis in their Bible-reading. Not all commandments are created equally.

To put this another way: you don't get to pick and choose which parts of the Bible to follow. Jesus did it for you. The most important thing you can do with the Bible is to use it to love God with your entire life and to love your neighbor as yourself.

If you're using the Bible to shame, to judge, to ostracize, to cause pain, or to segregate, I'm very sorry, but you're just not using it correctly. There is no excuse we can give not to show love to every individual on the earth. God created them, God loves them, and God does not make mistakes. We have used scripture as an excuse to separate ourselves from God's people far too much.

If non-Christians had any impression of Christians using the Bible, wouldn't it be amazing if it was for us loving everyone fiercely? What would it be like if our reputation was openness, acceptance, forgiveness, and passionate self-sacrificial love? What if people stopped viewing the Bible as a rulebook meant to entrap and started viewing it as a guide to the purest source of love in existence?

Love your God and love your neighbor. If there is any passage that is for all people of every time, it's that one.

~RJS~