Emerging Bible
We’re not done with the bible. Someone decided that we’d put down the pen back in 300 AD after the Church Fathers put their stamp on it. But like everything else in the emerging church, the bible is emerging too.
Or at least, I’m not done with it.
My good f/Friend Sequoia Edwards and I used to talk about this at length years ago when I attended Coldstream Meeting. What would go in a 3rd testament of the bible, one that could bridge the gap between early church theology (remember: they buried their dead in catacombs because they believed the second coming was imminent) and modern Christian thought? What stories, what ideas, what heroes and heroines?
It sounds like a great idea until you try to wrestle it down. The problem is that opinions on this subject will be divided—right down doctrinal lines. But keep in mind that opinions were divided for the Church Fathers too, and dubious compromises were made. Yet if they had been afraid of the discussion, we’d still have only the old testament.
posted by Nancy A @ 3:00 PM
2 comments
2 Comments:
Hi Nancy,
Well I consider a number of Christian (some specifically Quaker) as scripture. The same voice that spoke to the prophets and apostles speaks to us today, if only we have ears to hear. Scripture isn't something that can be read literally or understood without active participation of the Holy Spirit; instead I agree with those who see it as the story of a people struggling to be faithful to God. That story is still being written.
Now what's included in that new Canon? That's a question I'll dodge!
Your friend, Martin
My Dad taught me about the canon when I was 9. In a sermon on it he said "the Bible is a library of books...you find something that is of equal spiritual meaning. Put it in your Bible."
Re what's included: God speaks to each of us in his own way. So we each have our Bible. That's what sharing is for.
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