Bible Readers: Smileys

I agree with your thoughts on Scripture reading...it reminds me of what Chris Wright says in "The Mission of God... "This worldview, constituted by putting the mision of God at the very center of all existence, is disturbingly subversive and it uncomfortably relativizes one's own place in the great scheme of things. It is certianly a very helpful corrective to the egocentric obsession of the Western culture-including, sadly, even Western Christian culture. It constantly forces us to open our eyes to the big picture, rather than shelter in the cosy narcissism of our own small worlds. We ask, where does God fit in the story of my life? When the real question is where does my little life fit into this great story of God's mission." Thanks for sharing these thoughts...I/we have the tendency to want a tame version of Scripture...one that fits into my already pre-existing world (suburban, urban, rural, whatever)...God desires to renew me and the world through the power of His Word...not merely give me enough self-esteem to make it through the day... -Michael

"What do you think of the Smiley Face approach to Bible reading?"

If you never come away from the Bible feeling chastened, you will never grow in Christ-likeness or in your relationship with Him.

This is the reason that Tradition, the embodied locus of liturgical and spiritual practices grounded in a theological vision,is central to Christian formation. If what we live by is not cross and resurrection focused, which reminds us daily of who we are in relation to YHWH in Christ,we will go astray into various forms of subtle spiritual idolatry.

We need to humble ourselves to allow YHWH to deconstruct us emotionally,psychologically and spiritually,so that YHWH can address us. This is a painful process but absolutely essential in Christian formation. This is often a precondition for hearing the Word behind the words in Scripture. And its the reason why using a lectionary is a necessary spiritual discipline.

Scot, great post. I've read The Blue Parakeet, and don't want to rehash things you already know. **GRIN** In the book, you did say that everyone "picks and chooses" when they read the Bible. That is so true.

I am trying to actively be aware of the context around particular verses when I read the Bible to make sure that the "promise" is actually something I could claim, and not something pointed directly at a particular group of people (i.e. the entire nation of Israel...etc.) As a result, I'm gaining a much better insight into scripture!!!

Amy #9,,

The Olivet discourse?

Followed by Philippians 4:8?

Scot, this is why I've had some problems with The Shack. It seems to present that God is only and always loving. What about the jealous God? And the God of righteous anger? The book seemed a little one-sided to me.

I agree with what Scot and additional posters have written, as one who teaches and preaches primarily from a perspective of the responsibilities of Christians.

I would only temper my comment by saying that there are certain seekers and new and young Christians who come from a background of personal abuse or distress, or who have been beaten over the head with the image of an angry God. They need to hear large doses of the promises and the good stuff, preferably in the company of a more seasoned guide who can also gently guide them into the responsibilities and difficulties.

I would take this one step further and say that we can't go through the Bible also looking for verses with which to proof text. Oftentimes people pull out isolated verses to prove their points of view and again, we're short-circuiting Scripture by doing so. What is the larger context? Can this verse really, legitimately be applied to my particular situation? God is not only NOT a genie in a bottle, He is not a weapon to be used against others.