My friend Nick writes a blog called “Split Frame of Reference“, which is full of interesting thoughts and ideas. A lot of the things he shares are pretty challenging to my theological/political views, but if we only read things we agree with we’ll never get anywhere, right? Last month he wrote a blog post called “Why I Don’t Enjoy Reading My Bible“, which apparently got him into some hot water. I was honored when he wanted to hear my response. So here it is:
This is offensive.
Hey Nick,
I’ve felt that way before too, for sure. I’ve read through my Bible probably about six times by now. A few of those times were because my parents told me to; it was like a family rule. Some of the other times were because I heard over and over again from the pulpit that reading your Bible is the best thing for Christians to do, especially if they want to become better Christians. For several years in a row, it was like a challenge to read through the entire Bible in a calendar year. There was one year where I read through the entire book of Revelations at a New Years Eve party, no joke.
Sometimes I got really frustrated with it. I remember one particular day about six years ago when I was praying, angry with God for trying to have a relationship with us but only giving us a book through which to have a relationship. Seriously, who does that? But in the middle of my frustration, God whispered to me “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” I was still not impressed. So what? Then I heard, in my mind, “…therefore, I have have drawn you with cords of lovingkindness.” I couldn’t argue with that. All of my questions faded in the face of His love.
Sometimes those questions come back. Is the Bible really God’s Word? How can we know what it really means? How do we know they got the right books in there?
The reality I’ve come to accept is that my faith is not a primarily mental exercise. It’s spiritual. Yes, I debate verses and meanings all day, but that’s different from reading to connect relationally with God. I’m pretty sure all those times of reading through the Bible haven’t made God love me any more. But it’s probably helped me love Him more.
Sometimes (like you) when I read I just hear theological commentary from theologians, arguments from would-be heretics, and echoes of past sermons. But sometimes, I hear the quiet whisper of my Father’s love. And that’s always worth finding.
Also, I sometimes feel bad about cherry picking specific books to read, but then I decided I’m not going to feel bad about that. So lately, I haven’t read anything that wasn’t written by John. Fortunately, that still leaves me with at least five books to choose from.
Micah