I am interested in talking to people with old Bibles and with new Bibles.
The old Bibles and their people have stories to tell about notes in the margins or highlighted text or flowers pressed in the pages or scraps of paper or photographs placed between the pages. Or perhaps a family history filled out in the first pages of it. I’m interested in the seasons of their learning about the Bible. Were there Lenten or Advent studies that highlighted portions of the Bible? Were there extended times in a single book that were revealing or inspiring? I’m interested in how they made the time and took the time to read and study God’s Word.
The new Bibles and their people have ideas and aspirations about incorporating and embracing God’s Word in their lives. What was the occasion of receiving their Bible? How important is the version they have? Are they connected or related to a congregation that they are getting to know and that is getting to know them? What are they curious about? What are some of the most helpful sections of the Bible? Like an alphabetical listing of the Bible books instead of their literary order. What helps new people get to know their Bibles?
Wesley believed that the living core of the Christian faith was revealed in Scripture, illumined by tradition, vivified in personal experience, and confirmed by reason. Scripture is primary, revealing the Word of God “so far as it is necessary for our salvation.” Therefore, our theological task, in both its critical and constructive aspects, focuses on disciplined study of the Bible (2020-24 Book of Discipline, Paragraph 105).
Our standards affirm the Bible as the source of all that is “necessary” and “sufficient” unto salvation (Articles of Religion) and “is to be received through the Holy Spirit as the true rule and guide for faith and practice” (Confession of Faith). We properly read Scripture within the believing community, informed by the tradition of that community (2020-24 Book of Discipline, Paragraph 105).
The power and importance in doing this is to understand how the Bible is used in the life of believers, churches, and even nations. Christian Nationalism is dangerous in their interpretations of the Bible to support the domination and degradation of groups of people while exalting a narrowly defined acceptable picture of the Church and nation.
“Christian nationalism identifies the nation with God’s will and action in the world; conflates national and Christian identity; and identifies service of the nation with service of God,” writes Dr. David W. Scott, who is a Methodist historical researcher and the Director of Mission Theology at the General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church. “Christian nationalism gives moral cover for actions, even unseemly ones, taken in pursuit of national or political goals” (What is Christian Nationalism?, Rev. Ryan Dunn; https://www.umc.org/en/content/what-is-christian-nationalism).
I believe this movement will continue to influence congregational and national life in the years ahead. And so I am thankful for Bibles and their people who with humble hearts desire salvation in Christ. And I have come to see the power of being grounded in a believing community where we can hear and respond to God’s call to love God, our neighbors, and ourselves. Faithful people with old and new Bibles have contributions to make and roles to play in sustaining and strengthening the common good.