“We need neither years of study nor thorough knowledge of both testaments to profit from lectio. As God’s penultimate revelation to humankind, holy Scripture is applicable to our lives and is the primary sourcebook for our devotion.” (From Soul Shaper p.37)
It seems that there are levels of meaning that can be found. The simple surface level of meaning from a cursory reading is available to all. And it is also this level that the Lectio Divina (devotional reading) exists because the Spirit seems to be doing more of the work than our minds. As the Spirit washes over us and speaks through the words, we can learn, grow and hear from God without a Master’s Degree in Theology.
And yet there are deeper levels or fuller understandings of the Bible. And just how does one get to those places? Back and forth we went on the GLCC Alumni forum about the place or need of education for Christians. One side repeatedly defended the simplicity of the Bible while the other side communicated the depth of meaning of the Bible that needs careful consideration to plumb.
I of course came down on the side of education. A completely different Bible has been opened to me because of education. It makes more sense. It fits together. Lights continually go on. It makes me want to read the Bible more and more. What is bad about that? Shouldn’t I want to share that with everyone?
Good education takes time and desire, neither of which most people have. Yet Paul makes it clear in his letters that he expects spiritual growth from Christ’s followers. Ideally, Christians should want to learn more about the Bible which in turn bolsters their faith. Unfortunately, that does not always seem to be the case.
So what is the place of education? Should only the ministers and leaders get more? What should we expect/ask from the congregation/“average” church member?
As you consider those questions, ponder the following from Thomas á Kempis:
“Do not read to satisfy curiosity or to pass the time, but study such things as move your heart to devotion.”
1 comment:
Perhaps the bottom line is how you live. There are folks in our church who are simply incapable of the kind of study and learning we received in school, and yet they read the Bible constantly and live the Word.
Our education has a value so far as it spurs us on to holier living.
I think it is also a "parts of the body" thing. It's important for education to exist withn the body somewhere, but not necessarily everywhere.
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