"I go to the scriptures as a hunter goes to the woods. I go out alone, I sit quietly, I listen, and I wait for something to move." --John Chrysostom (4th Century)
One ancient method for interpreting Scripture is called Lectio Divina, which is Latin for "divine/holy reading." It was developed around the year 220 AD by Origen and have been used in monasteries for centuries. [Just Google the phrase "Lectio Divina" for more information on the subject.] The group version includes three readings of the text which are followed by a period of silence.
During the first silence, worshippers are asked to reflection on the question "What word or phrase speaks to me?" Then these words or phrases are shared with the group.
During the second silence, we reflect on the question "Where does the content of this reading touch my life today?" Then people share with the group how this reading spoke to them.
Finally, during the third silence, we reflect on the phrase "I believe God wants me to.....this week." Then there is an opportunity to share with the group how God is calling each person to put this text into action.
I enjoy the process because the text seems to speak to people in so many different and creative ways. There is not simply one answer for how the Scripture is to be understood. This living, dynamic word moves people in many different and surprising ways.
What a sharp contrast this is to the way many fundamentalists approach the Scriptures. They seem to believe that each text has a fixed meaning that is unchangeable and indisputable. I truly feel sorry for those who approach God's Word in this way because they are trying to put God in a box. They are trying to dictate and control the way the Holy Spirit moves and speaks to us. It has been my experience that God cannot be contained by us, nor can we control the Holy Spirit which, at least according to Acts 2, is a whirlwind of activity that spreads like a wildfire.
Perhaps, if we opened ourselves up a bit and relaxed our death-grip on the sacred story, the Scriptures would speak to us again anew and challenge us in ways we never imagined. More in this tomorrow!
3 comments:
AMEN Well said. As one who grew up in a very conservative almost fundamental system; this is a breath of fresh air. God and His living word cannot be contained by man. Another way of study is to read apassage or small book of Scripture everyday for 7 days and see how the Holy Spirit speaks to you through it. It's interesting to try. I use it periodically. Again thanks for your blog. By the way, how is your Chaplain ministry going?
Thanks for asking. My chaplain position is going very well. It is really challenging work and sometimes long hours but God has definitely used me to bring hope and encouragement to many. Every once in a while the "gay issue" comes up with staff but in a good way. I've had some interesting conversations with folks about it. Also there have been a number of LGBT patients at the hospital as well. It's an encouragement for them to know I'm there.
I learned reading this that the children's lessons I write follow somewhat the Lectio Divina structure. (Content, context, meaning, application.) What a delight to know that I have stumbled onto a pattern set in history. Thank you, always, for your thoughtful homilies.
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