Should we critically analyze Scripture?

Let us be clear. We are talking about hearing God's self communication in the Bible. Not using bits of the Bible to advance a personal agenda. Bible study is a study in the art of listening ...

So as we attempt to hear the Gospel:

• we will ask questions of the text
• we will make judgments 
• we will begin to research the historical context of the writing (how would the first hearers have heard this text)
• we will ask what the authors (Divine and human) are/were wanting to communicate. 
• we will ask what readers across the ages have heard

We are not trying to excuse ourselves from the text nor set aside its authority - our goal is to hear what is being said. Using our brains and reason we engage the text in what is called the historical-critical method. Not critical in the sense of tearing apart - critical in the sense of hearing precisely.

We emphasize again that our intent is not to take authority over the text, but rather to draw out its authority over us. If we confuse this point we are in big trouble - so please, let us take care.

Should we critically analyze Scripture?

Again, our motivation matters. Are we looking to destroy the Gospel? Are we looking to excuse ourselves? Are we looking to twist the Gospel to a purpose for which it was never intended? or Are we trying to find Jesus? Are we trying to hear God's self-communication? Our motivation matters.

I would argue the Gospels entice, perhaps even lure us into looking deeper. "If salt has lost its taste, how will it be made salty again." That one line demands research and insight because salt cannot be made unsalty; unsalty salt is frankly not salt! What was Jesus saying? That is a huge question, but this is certain - He reached across the ages and sent me on years of exploration and research. At the end of it I found a brilliant statement defining who Jesus is, and who His followers are.

Or, Paul tells us he preaches the Gospel, but never actually lays out for us the Gospel he teaches. He never fully answers the question: who is Jesus? As we engage Paul's letters we have to work backwards to hear what he is presuming in his letter. As we search out "Paul's Gospel" we come to hear important things that bear witness to the life, death and resurrection of this man, Jesus.

So to answer our opening question - most certainly we should (in fact must) critically analyze and engage Scripture.

Next we should consider the nature of the New Testament which we call Scripture and (we claim) bears true witness of Jesus.

be blessed

HE