"The Bible does not close discussions; it seeks to open them"

From William Sloan Coffin in The Courage to Love:
The opposite of love is not hate but fear. If we are to broaden our vision and enlarge our hearts, we must allow risk to enter our lives, permit doubt to walk hand in hand with belief. It is a mistake to sharpen our minds by narrowing them. It is a mistake to look at the Bible to close a discussion--the Bible seeks to open one....
The Bible is no oracle to be consulted for specific advice on specific problems; rather, it is a wellspring of wisdom about the ambiguity, inevitability, and the insolubility of the human situation. It sings praises to God who...provides minimum protection but maximum support....
Finally, the Bible is a signpost, not a hitching post. It points beyond itself, saying "Pay attention to God, not me." And if, as the Bible claims, "God is love, and she who abides in loves abides in God, and God abides in her," then revelation is in the relationship. In all Scripture there is no injunction more fundamental than that contained in these simple words: "Love one another."


by William Sloan Coffin

Comments

steve said…
I love this view of scripture! It flies against those who would use scripture to provide easy answers, or to push a political agenda unthinkingly. Peace, my friend.
Terri said…
I've heard this before - and just love this quote. Thanks for posting it today...
A wellspring of wisdom...so full and rich...and something so many people are afraid to fully embrace.
Diane M. Roth said…
great quote! I love Rev. Coffin's thoughts.

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