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THE QUESTION
Reading Sacred Texts
Should a layperson read sacred texts alone, without the help of clergy or community? How do you read and study sacred texts?
Posted by
Sally Quinn and Jon Meacham on February 18, 2009 12:18 AM
FROM THE PANEL
Three Ways to Read Sacred Text in God's Presence
Torah speaks powerfully when its voice is heard in the quiet of midnight or early-morning study, alone, undisturbed by the noise of daily life. The text wants to linger with us over time, like the words of any conversation that we know will change us.
Posted by Arnold M. Eisen, on February 23, 2009 10:19 AM
Every Christian is a Priest to Each Other
For a Baptist Christian, scriptural interpretation should begin and end with the individual reading of the text through the lens of Jesus and with the Holy Spirit's guidance. However, this always should be done in the context and the nurture of the community.
Posted by J. Brent Walker, on February 23, 2009 7:17 AM
Consider the Vintage and the Source
Since the Bible is a collection of very old books, they are best understood when they are read in a community of active learners. It is good to read and study them alone, but with the caution that they were written to a people (Israel) or to a group (the Church) and not just to you.
Posted by John Mark Reynolds, on February 23, 2009 6:55 AM
Sacred Texts: We're Just Talking About Books
Since I don't consider any texts "sacred," I might as well be commenting on whether people would be better advised to read books alone or in clubs.
Posted by Susan Jacoby, on February 23, 2009 5:35 AM
A Duty and Privilege to Investigate Truth
We each have the duty and privilege of independent investigation of truth using the faculties of discernment and understanding that each soul has been endowed with by God.
Posted by Kenneth E. Bowers, on February 23, 2009 3:03 AM
Sacred Texts
Those who want to control the Bible's message express primarily their own fear and insecurity.
Posted by John Shelby Spong, on February 21, 2009 3:54 PM
Scriptures: As Much a Part of Life as Breakfast
To rely on a third party to explain the power of the scriptures would be like learning to cook by watching a TV show and never turning on the stove: technically possible, but an unsatisfying experience.
Posted by Michael Otterson, on February 20, 2009 7:58 AM
Don't Go It Alone
When approaching a sacred text, there is a space between authoritative interpreters and our own isolated selves.
Posted by Mathew N. Schmalz, on February 20, 2009 1:31 AM
Sacred Reading and Sacred Sex
Of course, there is no such thing as truly reading alone. We are always accompanied by the readings, interpretations, cultural contexts and presumptions which shape that which we read.
Posted by Brad Hirschfield, on February 20, 2009 12:37 AM
Scripture for All to Read
It is unwise to ignore history, tradition and the teaching of the Church.
Posted by Charles "Chuck" Colson, on February 18, 2009 2:40 PM
Read Them on Our Own and in Community
It is imperative that we both read the Scriptures on our own and read them in community and with clergy.
Posted by Jim Wallis, on February 18, 2009 8:37 AM
Puzzles and Wonders
Yes, it is best to study with another person, for other minds serve as both goads and correctives. After all, the very first comment on human nature in the Bible is that it is not good to be alone (Gen. 2:18). However, it is far better to read or study alone than not to study at all.
Posted by David Wolpe, on February 18, 2009 8:03 AM
Be Suspicious of Religious Authorities Telling You What the Bible Says
Religious authorities are often NOT helpful in reading the Bible, especially for those whom the church hierarchy considers suspect: women, gay people, African Americans have all been in this category for far too long.
Posted by Susan Brooks Thistlethwaite, on February 18, 2009 7:58 AM
What Good Are Sacred Texts? Why Bother With Them?
Literacy is required for the laity to "read sacred texts alone."
Posted by Willis E. Elliott, on February 18, 2009 1:33 AM
FEATURED COMMENTS
bruno55: Debate on this question is much like the debate held on other moral issues that are dealt with in the Bible. Upon what basis will they be c...
bcass05: There is a quote in the Christian "Book of the Acts of the Apostles". It was supposedly something said by one Shimon bar Yonah (St.Peter to...
jollysehgal: I am a sikh by religion but always more inclined towards spiritualism.My parents tried hard enough to get me hooked to religious text books ...
