(Version 1.5)
I’ve recently had occasion to discuss with my Christian brothers what the proper understanding of the Bible is. Is it the Word of God? Is it proper to read it literally? Is it infallible? And so on. As I reflected on the conversation, I noticed at times we were speaking past each other. Despite being intelligent, sensitive individuals, our vocabulary got in the way of understanding one another. This happens all too often to me, and that inspired this post.
Specifically, I believe the Bible is
- A human, historical book,
- rightly called holy and sacred,
- but neither an idol nor a magical talisman.