Why Study the Bible?
"The 39 articles, a 1536 foundational document of Anglican theology, relates that "Holy Scripture containeth all things necessary to salvation." The scriptures were written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and we understand their meaning guided by the Holy Spirit."
episcopalchurch.org/bible
"The 39 articles, a 1536 foundational document of Anglican theology, relates that "Holy Scripture containeth all things necessary to salvation." The scriptures were written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and we understand their meaning guided by the Holy Spirit."
episcopalchurch.org/bible
We study the Bible because it changes our perspective and refocuses us not on our situation, but on God's nature. The Bible is not about us, it is about who God is, as seen through the experiences of people guided by the Holy Spirit. Try re-titling the Bible stories you know with God as the central actor. Make a list, you are welcome to use A Summary of the Biblical Story as a prompt. Across from your new title make a corresponding wide column for: what does that say about God? The change in perspective is dramatic.
It helps to study the Bible, as well as reading it devotionally. How can we know what a passage "means for me," if we don't know what it means? The Bible is a library of different types of literature in 66 books (if you are Protestant), covering over 2000 years of history, written in at least three languages compiled over 1000 years, in multiple cultures with very different norms (see A Rough Chronology of the Bible). From earliest times people have noticed parallel passages and contradictions within the Bible. Bible study includes examination of: literary genre and history of text and textual compilation, history, languages and variations in translation, social anthropology and textually embedded norms including those of other cultures. Bible study with intellectual integrity is complicated and, it is worth it. We love God with all our mind, as well as our heart and soul and strength. Your questions are an integral part of faith. People question when the Bible says two things that are contradictory, which one is true?
There is a difference between what is true and what is Truth. What is accepted as "true" changes with circumstances and perspectives. Truth does not. Some things are culturally embedded and can't be applied to a different time and culture without careful study, thought and prayer. The biblical library includes many genres. We don't read all genres looking for facts that are true. Does it matter what color you were wearing or where you were when you fell in love? Love is real, but it cannot be verified by temporary facts. Love's reality must be lived to be seen. We embrace the mystery of the love of God, we don't dissect it. Love is Truth. Facts succumb to the limits of metrics. God's love has no limits.
When you recognize God in your life, you begin to recognize that you are taking shape in God's life. We think in rational terms. When something is too coincidental, too wonderful, or unexpected, we wonder if we are thinking irrationally. But God's Love for us surpasses all reason. You can love what you don't understand. His Love is no less real for being supra-rational. It is more marvelous and more wonderful, but no less real. When everything is falling apart and God's coincidences sustain us, we may be too miserable to realize that they are not coincidences. Later, when we have been given a new start, we may see the gifts. We study the Bible, so that we might ask ourselves "where did I see God today." Seeing him, we may learn to worship the Giver, not the gifts.
We study and read the Bible so that knowing God better, we can more readily recognize Him in our daily lives.
It helps to study the Bible, as well as reading it devotionally. How can we know what a passage "means for me," if we don't know what it means? The Bible is a library of different types of literature in 66 books (if you are Protestant), covering over 2000 years of history, written in at least three languages compiled over 1000 years, in multiple cultures with very different norms (see A Rough Chronology of the Bible). From earliest times people have noticed parallel passages and contradictions within the Bible. Bible study includes examination of: literary genre and history of text and textual compilation, history, languages and variations in translation, social anthropology and textually embedded norms including those of other cultures. Bible study with intellectual integrity is complicated and, it is worth it. We love God with all our mind, as well as our heart and soul and strength. Your questions are an integral part of faith. People question when the Bible says two things that are contradictory, which one is true?
There is a difference between what is true and what is Truth. What is accepted as "true" changes with circumstances and perspectives. Truth does not. Some things are culturally embedded and can't be applied to a different time and culture without careful study, thought and prayer. The biblical library includes many genres. We don't read all genres looking for facts that are true. Does it matter what color you were wearing or where you were when you fell in love? Love is real, but it cannot be verified by temporary facts. Love's reality must be lived to be seen. We embrace the mystery of the love of God, we don't dissect it. Love is Truth. Facts succumb to the limits of metrics. God's love has no limits.
When you recognize God in your life, you begin to recognize that you are taking shape in God's life. We think in rational terms. When something is too coincidental, too wonderful, or unexpected, we wonder if we are thinking irrationally. But God's Love for us surpasses all reason. You can love what you don't understand. His Love is no less real for being supra-rational. It is more marvelous and more wonderful, but no less real. When everything is falling apart and God's coincidences sustain us, we may be too miserable to realize that they are not coincidences. Later, when we have been given a new start, we may see the gifts. We study the Bible, so that we might ask ourselves "where did I see God today." Seeing him, we may learn to worship the Giver, not the gifts.
We study and read the Bible so that knowing God better, we can more readily recognize Him in our daily lives.