Biblical metaphor
I have to admit that I have fallen behind on my Bible reading. I think the two week experience of seminary in June was so much that it overcharged my sensors. I need to get back to it.
I've often heard the Bible referred to as the record of humanity's search for and experience of the Divine. I don't remember who it was that said they take the Bible way too seriously to take it literally, but that resonates for me as well.
I came across a blog today where a Presbyterian pastor describes an outline of a "metaphor for the Bible that progressive Christians can find credible." Here is an extract:
What approach, lens, angle of vision, or metaphor might we take toward the Bible [...] I consider the Bible to be the family history of our spiritual ancestors. It is a collection of the record of human experiences canonized by various family historians. Our family history gives us rooted-ness. We have a story. We have a past. Our ancestors do have wisdom. I believe that they caught a glimpse of the fire. If we are wise, humble, and courageous, we can see that fire as well. It is out of respect for our ancestors, our need for rooted-ness, and our need to listen to the wisdom of the ancients that we “open and read.”
As we discover the great diversity of our Christian past, we who are charged with adding to the family history for our descendants, will now be obligated to include these voices as well.
This reminds me of Jesus statement in John 14 that in his Father's house are many rooms (or mansions).