Why reread the Bible?
A lot of Christian preaching
and literature today promote a version of the Gospel very far from what is
taught in the Bible. Surprisingly, most Christians seem ready to uncritically
accept such interpretations. Some of the prominent features of the doctrine
commonly taught are that
·
Christians have been specially chosen by God for special privileges
and protection that those of other faiths will not qualify for.
·
Prosperity and success come to true believers in the present and
heavenly bliss in the hereafter. All for free.
·
Several traditional and social forms of inequality and injustice exist
because they are a part of God's grand plan. Like for instance the
oppression of women and the suffering of the poor
Only simple unquestioning faith is demanded of the believer. Maybe a little
donation now and then to the preachers and writers of this faith for that
extra guarantee of heavenly grace!
A close look at the Bible tells us that these teachings are in fact quite
contrary to the teachings of Jesus. Why do most of us not question the
enormous discrepancy between what Jesus taught and stood for, and this
distorted vision of Christianity that is touted so loudly and successfully?
In part, this is because biblical texts are commonly used improperly or out
of context as the basis for these teachings. Quite often in fact, biblical
texts are used to prop up the very same beliefs that Jesus stoutly opposed.
There is little attempt to take biblical teachings in their entirety and
understand the teachings as they were meant to be understood. Wrong and near-superstitious
beliefs about the Bible have taken deep roots in the minds of many Christian
believers.
This is why we must 'reread the Bible'. We must carefully study the Bible
with a proper understanding of the context and times during which the books
of the Bible were written. We must also examine ourselves and identify
distortions in our vision of God. We must reject firmly all teaching contrary
to the mind of Jesus Christ. Only by rereading the Bible in this manner
can we hope to understand the true meaning of the Gospel.
I invite you read and reflect on the material on this website. I hope this
exercise of rereading the Bible with "new eyes" will be a rewarding
experience that will add meaning and hope to your life.
