Appreciating the Bible Through My Mistakes
written by: Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski
“I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these instructions to you so that, if I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth. ”
After reading my devotion on football gambling, my daughter made fun of me on Tuesday. She texts me saying, “Hey dad…Viagra isn’t addictive. By saying gambling is sports Viagra, you’re saying gambling enhances sports.” I was heartsick. I responded, “I didn’t intend to imply that Viagra was addictive but that gambling sites tell us that gambling enhances the act of enjoying sports. Gambling, like Viagra, enhances the experience. That was my point. But if my point wasn’t clear, I need to do some more reflection before sending them out.” After I got over my embarrassment, I reflected on how difficult it is to write and state clearly what you mean without grammar, metaphor, simile, or other unintended inferences.
No wonder we humans often misunderstand the Bible. We have writers expressing their faith from the limitations of their languages, cultural backgrounds, and historical influences. The writers were writing from different eras, with different primitive understandings and limitations in ancient languages. My educational background and computer A.I. grammar check could not pick up on my poor use of descriptive language on a simple devotion, then just think about how easy it is for Biblical writers to reach beyond their languages and thousands of years of differences to provide descriptive language to address the complexity of sacred, divine understanding.
Next, confusion in Biblical books, letters, and laws extends beyond the writers. The reader also brings their confusion, expectations, and prejudices to the document they read. If the Biblical reader is a literalist, the mythic and parable elements of the writings will be misunderstood. If the reader does not have a historical understanding and a sensitive grace for the period in which the writer shared their perspective, the sacred writing will be cast aside or even condemned. One should not judge ancient writing solely based on how its descriptive writing plays directly to a contemporary audience. Instead, we should read the Biblical writings for the underlying values and prayerful trust in how the Holy Spirit guides our interpretive understanding.
The best mistakes lead to greater understanding. Through my limitations as a writer, I have an even better appreciation for the blessed impact of our sacred Scripture. With all the limitations of vast time and linguistic differences, it is incredible that God’s Spirit continues providing a means of understanding now and forever. Even the limitations of human writers are another example of why I believe in God and the Spirit’s ongoing participation in the world. I hope my mistakes and limitations speak to you and help you recognize the Spirit’s work in the Bible and your daily life.
