In the Afterword to For the Love of God, Ostriker writes:
Meanwhile, we live in a world in crisis. Perhaps immersing ourselves in some of the wisest writing ever written will help us know ourselves and the world better. Let us not try to simplify reality. Let us not use our sacred texts as a security blanket or a blindfold, much less a weapon.
Ostriker is speaking about the ways in which we, in a contemporary era, use the bible. We all know that the bible, or at least so-called biblical values, have been used (or mis-used) throughout history to justify violent and unethical behaviors that, in and of themselves, violate one of the most important principles of the bible: namely, that we should love our neighbors. Consider, for example, the Crusades, the forced conversions (the only other choice being death) of Native Americans, the bombings of abortion clinics, etc.
However, what if this is not simply a phenomenon of the Common Era? I wonder whether it is possible to see the same phenomenon taking place in the very narratives of the bible. Characters in the biblical narrative were not reading the bible as we know it, in its canonical form, but they were "reading" its equivalent: hearing God speak directly or indirectly, hearing from God's messengers, seeing God in dreams and visions, hearing the stories of God in previous generations, oral transmission of God's commandments. Can you think of any instances in the bible where characters might be using "sacred texts," as Ostriker says, as "a security blanket or blindfold," or even a weapon?
You may refer to stories in Genesis or any other part of the bible, even if we haven't read it in class.
Please post your response no later than Saturday, March 8, 12pm.
31 comments:
I commented in class Tuesday that, up to this point in our reading, we've twice seen individuals add to and distort what was already said. In the Garden, we see Eve tell the Snake they are not to eat or even touch the fruit of the tree. Rivka adds an important "before YHWH" to Yitzhak's blessing in Gen 27:7. Are these subtle, innocent mistakes or glaring deception?
When I think of the misuse of Scripture in the Bible, I can't help but think of the Pharisees in the New Testament. These are the supreme scholars of the Bible... those who are supposed to know it all. With the whole of the Holy Scriptures memorized, you'd think faithful application of the principles they set forth would be the next logical step... But what we get are a group of supremacist legalists who adhere to "the law" while overlooking the bigger picture.
Jesus radically offers the counterpoint to the mishandling of scripture by the Pharisees. He challenges their teaching by healing on the Sabbath, driving the greedy vendors from the temple, and (arguably most importantly) forgiving--rather than punishing--those who do wrong.
All of these principles Jesus challenged were "justified" by the same Bible by which they were overturned. "The seventh day is a Sabbath to YHWH your God. On it you shall not do any work," (Ex 20:10) was combated with "Love your neighbor." The woman caught in adultery, rather than being stoned as the law called for, is forgiven (John 8).
Jesus' message was the essential message of the Bible--love, but it was so revolutionary because the system of the Law had been used to oppress and divide. He offered a new way of looking at things. Matthew 5:43,44 exemplifies how the biblical teaching needed mending--"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
You have heard that it was said this way... But I tell you it is this way... revolutionary.
When I read this, I can't help but think of the saying, "Two wrongs don't make a right." Like nearly everything in life I think moderation is key...Take nothing to the extreme, but also do not be oblivious either. I liked Ostriker's comments very much. I do believe that "immersing ourselves in some of the wisest writing ever written will help us know ourselves and the world better." It seems that by meditating on God's word and the stories, one truly realizes where they stand in the world or perhaps what character they would have been. It brings perhaps a self realization. Also, her saying, "Let us not use our sacred texts as a security blanket or a blindfold, much less a weapon," made me think of so many people in the world today. They want to try to pretend that certain elements of life or this earthly world don't exist because it would be tempting. They use the Bible as a security blanket to keep themselves from these temptations. Whereas someone who was truly strong or aware would be able to acknowledge temptations and yet not necessarily fall to them. You can't hide so to say. You need to be able to deal with reality. I also can identify with her comment about the use of sacred texts as a weapon. I think the further writing in this blog explains that with people bombing abortion clinics...again...two wrongs don't make a right.
On the topic of this phenomenon being only in the Common Era or taking place inthe narratives of the Bible, I think it's hard to tell. One can just as simply misunderstand something someone tells them (we all have in our lives). However,I have to wonder...if in fact God wanted you to do something and spoke to you about it...is it actually possible that you would not be sure of what you were to do. In my own opinion this is troubling. I often misunderstand what people tell me, I'm sure I misunderstand some passages in the Bible from what was intended from God, but if in fact He was directly talking to me, I find it somewhat hard to believe that I wouldn't get his point loud and clear. Yet, in the Bibilical narrative it does seem that those God spoke with directly just keep messing things up so to speak, however, God still keeps his promises or keeps blessing that person. Could that be because God understands that that person misunderstood what they were told and that their intent was to do as He said?
We began talking in one of the first class meetings about the breakdown of ethical responsibility. We saw Adam escape real responsibility for what Eve did in the garden, and generation after generation use it as justification for the mistreatment of millions of women. We have seen Avraham throw up his hands and claim no responsibility after “obeying” Sara’s wish with Hagar. Both instances of a woman being made to be the villain when the man was equally as involved. Women are persecuted and silenced continuously through scripture, which in modern society has created a great struggle for equality for women. In biblical times, there was this idea- both illustrated in scripture and believed by their people- that the youngest born was to be privileged. We have recently seen Yitzhak pretend not to know his own son, further the other son’s deceitful plan. We read Rivka’s selfish reaction to one of her son’s murdering the other. Her primary concern was being dramatic about her circumstances, rather than addressing the wrongness of her younger son’s actions. As discussed in class, if our characters (and of course the world presently) could really see one another, beyond what crazy stories of sacrifice or wrongdoing on “YHWH’s behalf”, then there will be the possibility for real peace and end to needless suffering. If they could recognize each other’s humanity, as well as their own responsibility to care for one another, they could then further their own existence rather than hinder it by pointless, miserable rules. There is a wonderful quote by Mother Teresa which I recently read, and I feel it describes what is really important in the “love your neighbor” sort of way, and what is continually violated by many people supposedly in the name of God:
"If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other."
I think that Isaac uses the scriptures as his own "security blanket". With his mother and father dead, Isaac is left to take upon himself the responsibilities Abraham left behind. However, he doesn't seem sure of how to make his own interpretations and talk to God himself. He needs guidance. God has to tell him "I am the God of Abraham your father. Don not be afraid." This conveys that Isaac was unsure of how to handle things and quite skittish, as we noted in class, when it came to voices. He only chooses to act in the ways his father did, frequently repeated almost exactly some scenarios Abraham wound up in. He just seems so at a loss after the death of Sarah, and he never seems to recover either, even after marrying Rebecca.
We also see Abraham misinterpreting some of what God has spoken to him, most apparently in the binding/sacrifice of Isaac. We discussed in class whether Abraham passed one test, or if he actually failed another one. I think this shows how such interpretations of words, including, especially, the words of God, can change a story around entirely, changing a character from a "good guy" to a "bad guy".
I agree with Ostriker's statement "Let us not use our sacred texts as a security blanket or a blindfold, much less a weapon." I thought it applied very well to today's society. With so many pro-/anti- "X" organizations out there today, several of them try to show that "X" is what God does or does nto want. But they do this based off of maybe one verse taken from the whole, disregarding all other material that, in some cases, can contradict what the group is supporting. Ostriker's quote encourages the world to be open-minded, which is something very much needed in order to keep away from conflict with not only other countries, but also within ourselves.
i really love ians responses. When i read the blog i really couldnt think of anything really to write about it. i mean it all seemed to be there in the blog. its true so many people use the bible in the wrong ways to justify things that are clearly wrong and should never be done. i thought to myself how can people think it is ok to kill thousands because they are committing a sin that seems more wrong then what do in daliy life. but i couldnt really think of anything to say other then that. but then i read ian post and it was just really good to get the other end and how jesus says later in the bible about how its all about love. for me i really dislike that people (christians) not all of them but some are just so judgmental and say its ok cause the bible says what the other people are doing is wrong. but do they ever look at their lives and see how many things they do that are wrong too. i dont know i hate that people read the bible with only others in mind and how they can never see anything bad in their lives.
In the common era it is not abnormal to see some outrageous act committed and then have the person behind it say it was act for or from God (taken from the Bible). One of the major issues we see in Christianity and other religions as well is that people want to take what is written in the bible and conform it to what they think it should or shouldn't say. Just as was said in an earlier post about taking things out of context. But people can justify themselves (in the minds of some) by using the Bible as their "security blanket" as Ostriker said.
While the Bible is translated into more languages than any other book it is nonetheless most likely also the most misused book. If we take into consideration the commandment to love your neighbor as yourself, I don't think that would include the ridicule or innocent killing of someone for not conforming. For instance in the NT if someone does not accept the Gospel of the Kingdom we are not to continue to "throw our pearls at the swine," we are simply to move on. This clearly does does not include an act of violence. Cain was punished for killing Abel, this is an instance of God rather than Jesus not condoning violence.
One final example would be the innocent killing of Micheal Servetus for proclaiming that God is one (Deut. 6:4,etc). And those that killed him were claiming to be christians as well and performing an act to glorify God.
While we see that some of the characters thus far in the biblical narrative have made poor choices in the eyes of God (and ourselves as we read it) we can't expect those chosen by God to therefore be flawless. We see charachters like Rivka and Avraham who attempt to take situations into their own hands in order to fulfill the promises of God without waiting to let God fulfill his own promise.
I like this passage from Ostriker very much because she says that we should not be blinded by our presuppositions but instead to be open minded in all cases.
Yes, there is no denying that each day people take the “sacred texts” and misuse them. In any interpretation there is the possibility of misinterpretation. So there was bound to be some misinterpretation by those in the narratives of the Bible. Ian pointed out the excellent example within the narratives about the Pharisees during Jesus’ time. As the Pharisees accusations lay the foundation for a huge example of using the laws of the sacred text to justify a violent behavior of killing someone who was innocent. Jesus was sentenced to be crucified on the grounds that he claimed to be the Son of God yet as Pilate presents him to the crowd saying that he finds no charge against him (John 19).
An example from the biblical narrative of using sacred texts as a blindfold or security blanket is evident in the book of Job. As Job suffers his friends try to give him advice none of which is the right advice yet some of it is based upon biblical truth. The biggest example of justification comes from Zophar who claims Job must of sinned and therefore is being punished. Zophar hides behind the text while accusing his friend unjustly. Sara’s post reminded me of the narrative from Job as his friends apply the text to Job, and yet hide behind the text to really apply it to their lives.
i was reminded of the same thing as Michelle was, about the people who crucified Jesus. then i thought about something else...
when the devil tempts Jesus in the new testament (which can be found in Mathew 4) we actually see him using scripture. here we see someone using scripture with the wrong motives or meanings. i see this instance as the devil using the scripture as a weapon...
i also loved ian's example, of course, it is a prime example of our discussion.
i agree with the many that see the way people have misused and misinterpreted the bible...obviously right, it happens all the time. most everyone has a tendency to think that what they think is right, that their interpretation is right...and what not. its kind of hard not to, ya know...why believe something you don't think is right/true?
Many people today and the characters in the Bible have justified their actions with the words of God. I think this is more than a misuse of the text; it is taking on the authority of God. Humans tend to think they're right about everything and will use any means to prove it. Those who believe that the Bible is sacred often use its power to propel themselves into higher positions, such as what happened during the Crusades. Instead of being humble and putting God as the ultimate authority, people can hurt others and themselves in their quest for control.
I believe the Bible can be an invaluable weapon, if it is used correctly. I'm reminded of Ephesians 6:10-17 which instructs readers to "put on the full armor of God" and to take up the "sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Also, Hebrews 5:12 says "the word of God is sharper than any two-edged sword...and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." It's obvious that these are figurative descriptions of the power of God's word, but they still hold some validity. As long as the armor, the sword, and the word remain God's and not men’s, people should be able to demonstrate humility. This should help them to love others and use this weapon for good.
The first thing that came to my mind was how some of the Jews and Pharisees in Jesus's day were so concerned with keeping Mose's law that they were blind to the human suffering right in front of them. In one particular instance in John, Jesus heals a man who was an invalid for almost 40 years and tells him to walk and take his mat with him. The Jews around him ignore that fact that the once lame man is now walking and confront him saying that it is the Sabbath and he should not be carrying his mat. They were so concerned for following the law to the letter that they missed the miracles in front of them.
I’m not really educated in stories of the bible so the instance that came to my mind was the one that Katie Dill brought up about when Jesus was tempted by twisted statements of the bible. But also how he got through it by using untwisted statements. It’s hard for me to focus on the bottom question of this blog because of Ostriker’s beginning comment. About how we are living in a world of crisis. I think we can all look around us and see that our world is going to the dumps. But what worries me every day is the threat of worldwide destruction through climate change. I don’t know if the bible could give us hints of how to solve this man-made problem but I know there are several, several instances of the bible warning us about the world ending or God destroying our evilness. Maybe if somewhere the bible teaches us to work together and to give up the way that we are used to living, then we can begin to get a hint of what we must do. I don’t think we are “simplifying reality” but that we are completely ignoring the reality of the devastation that will no-doubt destroy our children’s lives (if not our own). I wonder if God can forgive us for blindly killing his beautiful creation (Earth).
As I read the prompt, the first example that came to my mind was Abraham. As Kate mentioned, Abraham has misinterpreted what God told him. We discussed in class that God was testing Abraham, but we never concluded whether he passed or not. I think perhaps he failed. He was so caught up in the law that he failed to realize this son was a blessing from God and to "sacrifice" him would be to destroy that blessing and the promise from God.
Perhaps when God said that he created ha'adam in his image, he didn't mean physical image, but that we are able to decipher right from wrong; we are able to think logically. It's important not to impose too much on the text and reading the Bible allegorically is also somewhat dangerous, but because of this mental attribute, it is our responsibility to read the bible literally, then carefully interpret. Someone brought up in class that God seems to give us opportunities to make our own choices. He has given us the knowledge and now we need to implement it, instead of hiding behind a "simple" reading of the bible.
Ostriker's comment "Perhaps immersing ourselves in some of the wisest writing ever written will help us know ourselves and the world better" really hit home for me. Coming to the Bible for the first time, this is really just another piece of literature for me. Literature is read and studied because it helps us, the reader, to better identify ourselves, the world, and our place within it. Some of the greatest characters ever written are so successful because they connect deeply with the reader. However the difference between these works and the Bible is that whole belief systems have been built around the Bible that have taught followers to take the sacred texts literally causing this confusion of utilizing it as a security blanket, blindfold, and weapon. Sophocles Theban Plays are ancient texts, "some of the wisest writing ever written" but no person is inclined to literally consume this text because it's not comforting enough. People like to feel safe in this world of chaos and destruction, and the Bible is a symbol of hope as their walls fall down around them.
-Bet$y Robbins.
My first thought after reading this passage went along with exactly with what Katie Dill said about in Matthew 4 where Jesus is tempted in the desert by Satan, and Satan justifies his actions and uses techniques of persuasion by using scripture such as "He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone."
In Hebrews 4:12 it says, "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." I just found it was so interesting that The Word of God meaning the Bible is referred to as a weapon here once more. Weapon automatically was looked at as negatively, but as Addie mentioned, it allows us to see where we are in this world.
I agree with Sara in that I really liked Ian's comment. I was thinking about the Pharisees and how Jesus showed them up when they were being queer about the scriptures. I find this is the hardest blog to write. I'm having trouble thinking of a specific from what we've read of someone doing something that just doesn't seem right because they think it's the decree of God, but I'm reminded of the movie Seven. Kevin Spacey's character kills all those people and seems to think he is a prophet of God because he's trying to teach the world a lesson. But then again, what example is God setting if he destroys a city because the people in that city sinned? Of course a person wouldn't have the authority to do that, but they do because they're either stupid or just really think they're doing the right thing. Or both. Probably both. Yeah, both. One of the commandments is don't murder, but have you read Judges? It's pretty much a series of murders. Cool murders at that. Like the fat guy... But anyways, it seems like the scriptures contradict themselves in ways. I know the murders in Judges were just, but where is the line between just and unjust? Maybe if the scriptures didn't have so many shades of gray there would be less confusion with people following them wrong or whatnot.
Like some have mentioned before me, the instance that comes to mind of the bible being used as a weapon is during the time when Jesus was tempted in the desert by "Satan". However, we are somewhat limited to referencing the new testament in this case because at the present there haven't really been any "sacred texts" introduced, until Moses comes along with the ten commandments (please correct me if I am wrong). But I truly believe that without those people who misuse the text then classes like ours would not exist. If everyone interpreted the bible the same way then this text would have died centuries ago. And thanks to passages that tell us an eye for an eye, and Proverbs 28:13 "Be patient and you will finally win, for a soft tongue can break hard bones," it's no wonder this text is so popularly misconstrued.
Once again the issue boils down the whole ethical responsibility theme we've been exploring. Everyone is looking for some kind of justification for their actions that won't pin them down to the consequences they deserve. Like Abraham pretending to be his wife's brother. Well technically we are all brothers and sisters in the eyes of YHWH. So in this instance Abraham is using this loop-hole to protect himself. I certainly believe sometimes that the bible (more so the old testament) should be re-printed with the title, "Ethical Responsibility for Dummies".
In Genesis 28:20
Yaakov said
"If God will be with me
and will watcho over me ....
YHWH shall be God to me."
I believe
this phrase could be
what Ostriker
said about Let us not use our sacred text as a security blanket or a blindfold.
It's not a text but
Yakkov was definitely being a
hypocrite
using God's name.
He was trying to test
God if God exsits or not.
Personally,
I am not a Christian
but whenver I come to a
crisis, first thing
I did was praying.
Of course, not only Christians pray, but also anyone can pray.
However,
I was being a hypocrite
by pretending to be
a Christian, because
I felt that if I believe in
Christ, I thought I could live
a better life.
I am sure
that I can find great principles
that people can learn
from the Bible.
However, I say those principles
are very similar
to what Buddhist
principles which existed
way before Bible was written.
Those people who use
Bible as their weapons
or blankets
should see the world
widely.
If they want to learn from
the Bible
they shouldn't be like
Yaakov in verse 28:20
, but they should
read it as what Bible writers
were trying to tell people.
When I read about the Bible being mis-used, I immediately thought of something I read in a book about the Spanish Conquest of Mexico. When Hernando Cortés and his soldiers invaded Mexico they brought Catholic priests with them. Cortés commanded the priests to baptize the Native women they encountered because he didn't want his men sleeping with heathens. I read that passage several times to make sure I'd understood it correctly. There's no doubt in my mind that it wasn't the Natives who were the heathens!
As you mentioned in class, Monica, the Jewish position that women are "hard-wired" to God and thus don't need to approach God during designated prayer times at the temple, while on the surface seems flattering to women, has in actual practice been used to exclude women from temple prayer times. The Apostle Paul's words in I Timothy 2:11-12 "Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence," have been used by many Christian denominations to exclude women from teaching and leadership roles. It wasn't until I noticed the word "I" in that passage that I realized that the "I" there is Paul, not God. It seems a large part of Christendom has based its doctrine about women's roles in the church on Paul's personal preference, and not on a direct command of God.
And, kudos to you, Ian! You said that so well!
I am with Sara when she said that she wasn't sure how to respond to the Blog. Of course manipulation of any text, especially the Bible. Although I would consider myself a religious person, I definitly do not pull out Bible verses to "shove in peoples faces". I feel that doing so is one of the worst things to do, I am almost positive God would frown upon it. That being sad I know it happens all the time and certain times, religious references are a great way to teach lessons, make/back up a point, or bring new insite to a situation. We must all just be careful to go about this in a sensative manner.
The one situation that did come to mind was when the continual use of physical sacrifice by Abvaham and then later his son Yitzach. Especially when Abvaham was about to offer up his son. I truely see that as God saying, "hand your son over to me, to allow im to do work for me" not to actually kill him for God. People in the Common Era and during Biblical times liked to "think for themselves" and manipulate what God said.
-Chelsea
First I have to mention what I immediately thought of when I read "Let us not use our sacred texts as a security blanket or a blindfold, much less a weapon," was from the movie Saved! with Mandy Moore and Jena Malone. There's a scene when Mandy is mad at Jena for doing something she doesn't approve of as "Bible-worthy" and when Jena doesn't listen to her Mandy throws her bible at her. Jena picks it up and says "This isn't a weapon...you idiot."
Obviously, this is a very literal translation of this quote, but it's so perfect because it's what my mind goes to whenever I hear of some radical Christian doing something outrageous and trying to justify it using the Bible. It's almost like they're throwing the Bible at us.
This is such a big part of my personal beliefs (or lack thereof, I guess) because I see and hear about people doing these awful things and saying the Bible influenced them. I can't help but think "I don't want anything to do with this book that makes people do such awful things." I was watching Rendition tonight (with Jake Gyllenhaal and Reese Witherspoon--great movie, by the way!) and that ties this all together very well too. Radical terrorist groups see themselves doing the work of God and ridding the world of sinners and hypocrites. I just can't wrap my mind around that--doesn't that seem a little backwards? Like Ian said, the Bible is not about dividing people--it's about loving and praying for your neighbors and enemies alike.
Of course, I want to clarify...now that I've been in this class and started seeing the Bible in a different light, I no longer want nothing to do with the Bible. It is such an important part of the world and influences people in so many different ways, I feel it is to my advantage, and almost my responsibility in a way, to learn it and learn what it's all about.
When I first read the blog, for me, it was much easier to think of modern instances then examples from the bible because I do not know it that well. Although, the first thing that came to mind was very similar to what Amy Leigh posted. I feel that ethical responsiblility plays a very key role. I feel that Rivka uses it as a weapon so many times. One instance is in Genesis 27:45 "...when he forgets what YOU did to him." When we read this in class it caught my attention almost instantly (from hearing it read outloud it seemed to stand out more) of how she constantly does not take responsibility for her actions, using it as a weapon, and using the system.
People have used religion and the Bible as a weapon for centuries. In the text, however, there are also examples of people using the word of God as a weapon. One example is Sarai taking her servants child. God had told Avram that he would have numerous offspring and Sarai is using God's word as her power to take her servant's child. Religion is a weapon in that it gives power to one set of people and provides an excuse or reason for their actions.
Another example would be Avraham and Yitzahk. Avraham is blinding following God and is using it as a weapon, in a way, against another person. He is not using the word of God to defend himself or punish a non-believer; he is blinding following God, leading him to murder another human being. Avraham puts all his faith in God at this one moment and is not questioning whether God is wrong or right. As discussed in class, this could be a sign of Avraham's faith in God or it could be Avraham failing his test. Maybe God wanted Avraham, as well as others, to question what God tells them in order to make better desions for themselves and become moral / ethical people without God always telling them what to do.
In both cases religion acts as a weapon. In the first, it acts more as shackles and power, and in the second, it acts more as braincontrol and possible the weapon Avraham was going to use to kill his son. The word of God was not questioned and people were taking control and power into their own hands.
(I am posting CAROL MAHARA's response for her.)
Depending on one's interpretation, I believe there are many instances in the Bible where people may have used God's word or "the will of God" to justify their actions and make a point. The rule of not working on the Sabbath was made pretty clear in Numbers 15:32 when God told Moses to have man stoned for gathering wood on the Sabbath. Seems pretty harsh, but everyone got the message. I can also recall countless battles that were conducted because God told people to do it. In Numbers 31, God told Moses to take vengence on the Midianites, so Moses killed every man and took the women and children as plunder. But there have also been occasions where not even the women and children were spared, like in Joshua. In Joshua 8, for example, Joshua led the complete destruction of Ai on God's behalf. It may be these stories in Joshua that helped "religious warriors" find excuses to do what they did (crusades)-to which I agree with Michelle that the "sacred texts" were misused. I find that
people will pick out individual stories to justify their actions. Those who fought on Chirst's behalf in the many religious wars must have not got Christ's
message. As Ian said, He was a man of peace and love. He hung out with the "sinners" eating and drinking with the tax collectors and prostitutes. He showed them through love how living a moral life can be better than an imoral
life-he didn't force them to choose His way or die.
(I am posting for CHRISTINA LOVELACE)
My reaction is much like Ian's. We have already seen two people add to the words of others. We have also seen the snake in the Garden of Eden claim that if Eve ate the fruit, she would be like God, and she would not die. So he kind of "lied on God" in that instance. Maybe these instances are perfect to explain why people are so against misquoting the bible.
This instance brings to mind the story about Jesus when he was asleep on the boat, and a really bad storm was going on. I can't remember if the fisherman aboard were believers or not, but they recognized who Jesus was, and went to wake him up in order to calm the storm. In this instance, they use Jesus, or the text of that time, as a security blanket. Instead of just asking God or whoever they worshiped to calm the storm, they asked Jesus to do it for them.
This question also reminds me of a time when I was in High School and two of my friends tried to tell me I was not received salvation because I have not spoken in tongues. They showed me a verse where Peter had spoken in tongues and that was their evidence. So many times, we get caught up in what the good book says, and not the reasons behind why they say them. People also get caught up in the acts that people commit, but have no clue as to why they commit them. They fail to realize that it is not up to us as humans to persecute people, but to direct them in the right path.
As i read this passage all i could think about was how we are always saying that people have many different views of the bible and how they take in information in many different ways. Therefore when i think of how people use the bible in wrong ways, i can only think of how or if they really even know what they are talking about. Do they really even know what they are reading, or are they just making up their version as they go. Yes, there were many examples in the bible of people doing their own thing, and going off of what they thought was right. In today's society, with all the different cultures and religions, i find it really hard to believe that this is something out of the norm. Everyone has their own way of life and their own beliefs; so for them to read the bible one way and base their life off that is something i can understand, but dont agree with.
I feel as though this subject would really strike a cord intergenerationally. It seems as though all my church leaders and elders have been somewhat stubborn regarding God's will and the strict line between right and wrong. I was raised Catholic and personally I am starting to realize that literally following "laws" given by the church standards and in the Bible is oppressive to ones' self and can lead to a complete misunderstanding of how God may have wanted those "laws" perceived. It is disturbing that some people haven't tried to look at the other side and understand that these "laws" don't necessarily apply to all situations. These are guidelines God gave us to help us through a life full of temptation and evil. He knew we would err as humans and I bet He shudders when He sees the poor misinterpretations of his teachings and how astray from the truth and original intentions it has gone.
I was really disturbed by what Katie brought up in Mathew 4, when the devil used words from the scripture to taunt and test Jesus. This shows how easily words can be misused and shows if people want to twist things enough, they will find a way. I also immediately thought of the “eye for an eye” story and the death penalty situation. If we don’t believe in playing God by aborting children, then how do we support playing God when aborting grown children of God who have sinned. I am not saying we should let murderers’ go free, but I find it somewhat contradictory that these two theories come down to relative interpretation.
A security blanket is desirable because it gives us comfort in possession. A blindfold gives us pleasure in not having to deal with the truth. A weapon gives us the means to gain power.
As many have mentioned, we begin to see the "Sacred Texts" become a security blanket, a blindfold, and a weapon in the Garden of Eden as the snake first lures Haava with promises of pleasures of blindfolding independence (from YHWH and humanity), the possession of the security blanket of immortality, and the power of the weapon of knowledge. (It's interesting to note that Eden is the Land-of-Pleasure) The snake simplifyed reality, pushing Eden and YHWH out of the picture (Haava loses sight of YHWH and his word) until she could only see herself; thus, relying on herself to satisfy her desires. We continue to see this as Adam falls into the same trap and makes the "Word of God" a security blanket, a blindfold, and a weapon for himself as had Haava. Avraham took YHWH's word in covenant, ran with it, losing sight, and made it a weapon, an excuse to lie in order to protect himself in self-proclaimed dangerous situations, that he might live and recieve that which he percieved was the fulfilment of the promise of YHWH. He, again, lost focus and made it into a blindfold to pursue the pleasures of intimacy with another woman, that he might carry on his lineage.
We see that the making of the "Word of God" into a blanket, a blindfold, and/or a weapon occurs concurrently with a loss in sight of YHWH and a failure in ethical responsibility.
One story that sticks out to me is the story where this woman was brought before the people to be stoned for her adulterous ways. It was as if they enjoyed the fact that the bible included a verse that said she must be stoned for her behavior. In Deuteronomy 17:5 it says “Then shalt thou bring forth that man or that woman, which have committed that wicked thing, unto thy gates, even that man or that woman, and shalt stone them with stones, till they die.”
John 8:3-12
3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,
4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.
7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
The fact that it is written in the text does not necessarily mean it should be carried out to that extent. God is more so saying that adultery should not go unpunished, but you cannot punish others when you are not without sin as well. Jesus accurately got that point across when he told everyone that if they are without sin to cast the first stone. At that moment, people realized they were blind and that they had taken the text of the bible too far.
Instances of this happen all the time in today’s time, but it is somewhat reassuring to see that even before the actual bible was written people took things out of context. At least we are not the only morons I guess. In the end people’s actions will be punished accordingly. They were back then and they will today.
When talking about the bible, “its influence has been recognized for centuries. It has been quoted and
misquoted, used and abused, appealed to and discredited. While American Presidents quote "a house divided against itself cannot stand" and "from those to whom much is given, much is required,” Biblical texts have also been used to oppress women, support slavery, justify wars, and today, bolster White
Supremacy and other discriminatory movements.” This insert was taken from a wonderful article called Taking the Bible Seriously ( http://www.jubileeunited.ca/Taking%20the%20Bible%20Seriously.pdf ).
The article explains the pitfalls people may face when reading the bible and the different reasons some people may take its texts too far. One reason may be that “many people are afraid that if they admit that there are contradictions in the Bible then the whole thing has to be dismissed as a worthless lie. So, a simple defense was concocted as a bulwark against letting the evidence sway people once their minds were made up.”
Today is not the only time when people make wrong decisions there are instances in the bible that “sacred text” was used as a method to cover up bad decisions. One instance that sticks out in my mind is in the book of Joshua. Joshua is told to take of the city of Jericho and only save one woman and all that she had. Even though God told Joshua to do so, it is still mass destruction that is being justified through Christ and his word. Today is not the only time when war is justified through religion. There are many instances that justify this sort of behavior.
There are a lot of good examples that have been discussed about the bible characters altering God's message and using it to defend their actions. Like many people brought up, we see Abraham misunderstanding God and taking his son to be sacrificed. If he would have gone through with this, he most likely would have said that God told him to as an excuse even though that is not what God meant for him to do. Ostiker said, "Let us not use our sacred texts as a security blanket or a blindfold, much less a weapon." When looking at this from a present day view, it is very sad and frustrating to me how people will use the Bible as an excuse to defend themselves or a weapon to lash out at someone who has different beliefs. There are countless examples of people taking stories from the Bible, coming up with their own conclusion (right or wrong) and forcing them on other people. It is almost as if some people find a few verses and use them as reasoning for their actions without reading or understanding the surrounding text.
I think one, and the most obvious today, example of the misuse of Scripture would be the use of the Law to justify the condemnation of Jesus. In John 19:7, the Jews proclaim "We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has claimed to be the Son of God". There are also many examples in the Gospels where the Jews criticized Jesus for not following the law, e.g., healing on the Sabbath, eating with unclean hands, associating with Samaritans, tax collectors, sinners of every sort. They used these things as evidence to arrest and have him condemned to death. People might do the same thing if someone challenged our beliefs today, if someone was to not believe he was the Messiah, and therefore, able to supercede the law or our customs. Of course, these are all mis-uses of scripture.
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