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For the last six weeks I have been involved in a bible study at church which is centered around the big time Bible dude Paul. It’s by a couple of cool Christian cooks Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan. I think they are truly called “progressive Christians” – but these guy are intense either way.
But a cool concept can up tonight…it was in response by a mentor type guy Dick. He asked: “What is the Bible? Is it the word of God?” My first response wanted to be “yes” – but then I had to think is it? I kind of said – it’s not the Word of God – but words about God, inspired by god. We discussed it for a while and then Dick shared a cool concept. (It is taken from Marcus Borg’s book – “Reading the Bible Again for the First Time”)
He describe the Bible in an example they have used in Buddhism for describing Buddha. Thing of the teachings (or think of the Bible) as a finger pointing to the moon. The finger is NOT the moon (or the finger is not God) – but only a guide to help you find the moon (or to help you find God.)
That was cool. I just loved than analogy – and it really takes a lot of pressure off me. I put a lot of guilt upon myself for not reading the bible. I love learning more and more about God and other cool Christians, but I always feel like maybe I need to study the bible first – then progress onto these studies I do now.
Maybe this is what some of the Gentiles felt like back in the day – when some of the Pharisees and Rabi’s were saying the only way to get to Christ is through the Jewish faith…they preached the no shortcut method. Well – if I already know where the moon is – why do I need to study the finger…it will probably just pollute my mind anyway! :)
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