Show notes for Season 5, episode 4 – Bebop Hermeneutics (cool man, cool)
For this episode Jonathan is joined by the Rev. Tom Wiles,
executive minister of the American Baptist Churches of Rhode Island
How do you read the Bible? Let’s start off by stating that
any general, all-encompassing approach to Biblical interpretation needs to be
very broad or will be problematic. Hence the literal reading of scripture (the
notion that what it says is exactly what it means, no questions asked) is
flawed… to say the least. You cannot take anything at face value, especially
things in print that were written thousand of years ago. Guest host, Tom Wiles, offers a different,
creative way to approach scripture (or any other text for that matter) that
draws upon the art of improvisation.
When one is dealing with improvisation in a musical or
dramatic setting there is a tension between the rules, the context, and the
freedom of the artist. While one has a freedom to offer ideas and expression,
it needs to be part of the music playing (in the right key), or true to the
larger context of the drama on stage. When reading text you need to stay with
the broader context of the writings, the tradition that you come out of, and/or
the community you are a part of. You can push and explore, but there needs to
be some relevancy. Good improve works when things make sense and at the same
time push the text and the audience.
Improve is done within a community. You can read on your
own, but you need the support, guidance, and at times foundation of the community
to guide you in your reading and engaging with the scripture.
Improve calls for listening. You need to listen to the text,
to what other people are doing/saying, respond, and then listen some more. This
calls for more community.
Improve invites correction. When you are working with a text
in an improvisatory manner you are trying out different things and looking to
be pulled back in or encouraged to continue. Again, we need more community.
In essence, Jonathan and Tom are encouraging people to read
scripture, to take chances with scripture, but to do it within and through a
community/church. Play with the text, have some fun, but don’t forget to
listen.
Check out the great book TheArt of Biblical Narrative by Robert Alter for another great approach to
reading scripture.
Rialage –
Jonathan is annoyed with bad theology, the kind where people
say that God has a plan, or that your loved one is in a better place, or that
everything happens for a reason. Tom could only sit back and try to not be
overwhelmed with Jonathan’s white-hot rage at bad theology (he was probably
afraid of saying something inflammatory).
Scripture-
Genesis 22:1-14 – the binding/sacrifice of Isaac
In this passage Abraham is called to sacrifice his son (his
only, beloved son) to God. Tom suggests the notion that it was Abraham’s
willingness to listen for God’s further calling that stayed his hand and saves
Isaac. Good point.
You should check out Soren Kierkegaard’s Fear and Trembling for a great
philosophical treatment on this passage
Watcha’ Into
Jonathan is reading An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding by David Hume – nerd!
Tom is a more relaxed, down-to-earth kind of person reading Any Other Name by Craig Johnson
Again, thanks for listening. Send your comments and questions
to 12ecast@gmail.com and don’t forget to
rate the show on iTunes.
Next episode – Prayer with the Rev. Linda Forsberg
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