Forwarded message:
> From asa-owner@lists.calvin.edu Wed May 15 14:00:31 2002
> Message-Id: <200205151743.g4FHh0n09580@udomo5.calvin.edu>
> From: Joel Cannon <jcannon@jcannon.washjeff.edu>
>
> We read the scriptures through a tradition that tells us how we should
> interpret scripture, which scripture passages are important, and which
> passages are not (e.g. how do we take the sermon on the mount). The
> conservative evangelical or fundamentalist tradition is just as much a
> tradition as others, perhaps a more dangerous one because its
> self-image of being free from tradition makes it particularly
> vulnerable to self-deception.
>
> To give an example of how a tradition informs us, for those Americans
> on the list (British and Canadian readers are exempt), particularly
> those who condemn people or actions on the basis of "the clear
> injunction of God's word," Do you celebrate Independence Day? If so,
> scripture says you are celebrating rebellion against God. "Everyone
> must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no
> authority except that which God has established. The authorities that
> exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels
> against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted,
> and those who do so will bring judgement on themselves."
> (Rom. 13:1-2)
>
Responding to my own post so that I can have the illusion of having
said something worth responding to: I should have added that, given
the fact that we all have a tradition or traditions that inform how we
view the bible (and the world), the challenge is to gain a perspective
which allows us to understand our tradition, evaluate the assumptions
that are present, and move forward.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joel W. Cannon | (724)223-6146
Physics Department | jcannon@washjeff.edu
Washington and Jefferson College |
Washington, PA 15301 |
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