“So you’re telling me that you base your entire understanding of the universe on the collected writings of dozens of Jewish authors over thousands of years who were slave owners, sexists and bigots?”
Well…
No.
It is easy to understand why someone would ask such an incredulous question.
For centuries, Christianity has been able to ride on the coattails of various worldviews and systems of authority. When Constantine used Jesus to rebrand his state’s religion, Christianity, and the Bible along with, was granted a sort of legal-mystical authority.
When Luther, backed by the Reformation kings and princes, taught “sola scriptura,” the Bible reached a new height. The Bible was now the last word over a system of authorities.
When the Enlightenment spread, the Bible became another textbook, with authority in the realms of morals, history and science.
In different ages and societies, the Bible has been given various types of “authority.” Yet, over the centuries, and especially the last few decades, the very idea of “authority” has begun to break down.
So what does that mean for the Bible?
More importantly, what does that mean for the billions of Adherents to Christianity trust its authority?
Grappling with this question is the focus of the 2014 Ecclesia National Gathering. Ecclesia is a relational network of churches, leaders and movements that seek to equip, partner and multiply missional churches and movements. (Including Austin Mustard Seed.)
Here’s how they describe the purpose of the event:
Mission in North America must involve turning our collective attention to how we understand and engage, corporately and personally, the Bible.
The Bible is not a document – it is the unfolding drama of God.
As Christians, it is our one and true story for the whole world. It’s authority in Christ is extended into our very lives by the invitation of the Spirit as we participate in God’s work.
We therefore cannot know it’s authority apart from mission and by experiencing it’s authority over our lives in the hearing of it as God’s Word and responding to it in obedience.
Yet, many questions remain as to how we are to read, submit, teach and preach this great story in an increasingly secular, post-Christianizing society.
Once upon a time, a phrase like “the Bible says it” may have had some weight. Today, there is a growing contingent of our society that find the Bible laughable or even offensive.
The world around us is rethinking it’s relationship with authority. BIble-loving Jesus followers have to do the same. We need to know our Bible and know how to clearly articulate why we take it seriously.
Will you join me for the Ecclesia National Gathering, February 25-27?
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