“All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for
training in righteousness, so that the person of God may be proficient, equipped for every good
work.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
“The words and sentences of the Bible are to be translated, interpreted, and understood
according to the same laws and principles of interpretation by which any other ancient writings
are translated and understood.” – Alexander Campbell
“Sunday School classes and Bible courses taught by clergy seldom venture into higher criticism
that could inform the way laypeople understand texts. We think this sells Disciples short. In fact,
we think that – in numbers larger than some might suppose – Disciples laity want the kind of help
in understanding the Bible higher criticism provides. They are no less rational or critical thinkers
than clergy.”- Michael Kinnamon & Jan Linn; Disciples: Reclaiming Our Identity, Reforming Our
Practice
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
Beginning Wednesday August 30th, I will be leading a book study/discussion of Marcus Borg’s
Reading the Bible Again for the First Time: Taking the Bible Seriously but Not Literally. We will
meet via Zoom on Wednesday nights from 7:00 to 8:00 for 17 weeks, through December 20th.
(I have divided most of the books’ 10 chapters in half for ease of discussion.)
Whether you take part in these discussions or not, if you haven’t read Borg’s book, I highly
recommend it. Let me know if you would like a copy. If you plan on taking part in our discussions,
let me know soon so I can get you a copy that you can use to get a head start if you would like.
Peace,
Pastor Layne
“Many Christians mistakenly believe that their only choice is either to reconcile themselves to a
fundamentalist reading of scripture (a “literal-factual”; approach) or to simply reject the Bible as
something that could bring meaning and value into their lives. In Reading the Bible Again for the
First Time, Marcus Borg shows how instead we can freshly appreciate all the essential elements
of the Old and New Testaments—from Genesis to Revelation—in a way that can open up a new
world of intelligent faith.
In Reading the Bible Again for the First Time, Borg reveals how it is possible to reconcile a
scientific and critical way of thinking with our deepest spiritual needs, leading to an insightful
experience of ancient text. This unique book invites every reader—whatever his or her religious
background—to engage the Bible, to wrestle with its meaning, to explore its mysteries, and to
understand its relevance. Reading the Bible Again for the First Time shows us how to encounter
the Bible in a fresh, new way that rejects the limits of simple literalism and opens up the rich
possibility of living a life of authentic faith.” (Intro to Reading the Bible Again for the First Time)