1) Wisdom is different than knowledge.Wisdom is the ability to clearly see - a situation, a problem, a relationship, and be able to present that information so that others can understand.It does not always involve problem-solving, but it may. A person may be very knowledgeable in his/her discipline, but not have a clue how that knowledge can be applied. I usually associate wisdom with age and/or maturity. The person who has experienced life more, with all its joys and sorrows, has a better and broader perspective. "Elders" tend to be less revered in the US than other cultures, much to our detriment.
2) When I first started reading/studying the Bible (BSF in the early/mid 1980s) I was like a starving man who found the "bread of life." I didn't question much of what I read; I just wanted to take it all in. I became enthralled with the "Left Behind" series, and firmly believed Christ would return in 1988 (Israel's 40 year anniversary of statehood). The B.I.B.L.E. song was very popular. I parsed Scripture for every answer, not for illumination.I understand the Bible now not as a "life manual" but as "The Greatest Story Ever Told" - of God's relationship to all His creation, and humanity's relationship to God, and each other, in all it's messiness and beauty.
3) I don't recall ever being angry with God. There were times when I was confused ("How could God let this happen?"), but I always came back to God is God and I am not. I am always conflicted when I see people I know and love struggle with life's challenges (health, relationships, jobs,etc.) I often pray for God's peace and presence for them, because the "why" is never really explained. Sometimes "life" just sucks, no matter who you are.
4) "Wisdom, it seems, is situational. It isn't just about knowing what to say; it's about knowing when to say it. And it isn't just about knowing what is true; it's about knowing when it's true.'(RHE) This to me is the crux of relationships. In my later years, I realize there is less black and white, and a lot more grey I find myself often holding my tongue, less willing to talk and more willing to listen first. The Bible reveals the essence of our existence with God and each other. Things are rarely crystal clear, and often we only see "dimly" This should instill humility and compassion in all our interactions.
5) What I struggle with is those faith traditions who rely solely on prayer for healing. That if your faith is strong enough, your prayers "right" enough for God to accept, he will heal the one who is sick. Though I believe in the healing power of prayer (Martha!), it is not to the exclusion of medical, scientific, or psychological professionals. "Wisdom" in God does not exclude "wisdom" in proven human healing technologies. Jesus, the Great Physician" healed people, BEFORE they declared their faith and belief in him.
6) "While we may wish for a clear, {lucid} text, that's not what the Bible gave us. Instead, God gave us a cacophony of voices and perspectives, all in conversation with one another, representing the breadth and depth of the human experience in all its complexities and contradictions." (RHE) "Inspired" has reminded me (yet again) of the importance of biblical context. The who, where, what, why and when. It is very dangerous to pluck out verses and apply them anywhere and anytime.
7) The only psalm I was really aware of is Psalm 22 - "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" I always heard it on Good Friday and the Stations of the Cross. There are people in every congregation who are struggling with how to talk to God, especially when they are hurting. I think there is a need to allow people to speak what's in their hearts and minds in a safe place, like a corporate lament. God gave us the psalms as a way for us to communicate with Him, especially when we are in pain, or frustration, or confusion. He is big enough to handle all of our outbursts.
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1. When I think of wisdom, someone like Yoda comes to mind. :) Wisdom, more than anything for me, it to see a situation differently that others do. Wisdom helps to change perspective. Sometimes that is all that is needed to open a door down a better path.
ReplyDelete2. As I have said before, the Bible has disappointed me at times. But, most specifically that is because I have seen people use it as a weapon, manipulating Scripture to be something that I do not feel it was intended to be (or to be interpreted). Again, something I have already mentioned. I continue to appreciate Evans respect for the Bible…but also her perspective on it. On page 102 she says “the truth is, the Bible isn’t an answer book” and I agree with that. It’s the most important piece of work(s) ever written but a lot of time the viewpoint used to understand the stories within it is distorted…in my opinion.
3. I have been angry at God, and I feel bad about that. The times I have been were when my perception of what is and is not within God’s control was different…but I have never used songs or poems of lament to help express any of it. But, for example, this is my 11th week off of work right now. It is beyond frustrating at times that my diagnosis is two years old and we are still trying to get things right…especially when I know I have great doctors helping me. But, I have never once in that time felt sorry for myself or been angry at God. This is life and a lot of other people are dealing with struggles too. I am not special in that regard. Instead, I am grateful for all the good (which far outweighs the bad by the way) in my life. This is just something I will eventually overcome.
4. The contradictions within the Bible are difficult for me (much less so with the tensions). Perspective, perspective, perspective, right? But, even having perspective is difficult sometimes when you believe the Bible is being used/interpreted incorrectly and/or in a way that you feel is harmful.
5. The one that drives me bonkers is “everything happens for a reason” which I have already covered in length last week…or ones like “God doesn’t give you anything you can’t handle.” That is a bunch of crap. :) But…a statement like “find strength in God” or a statement in a song like “be not afraid, I go before you always” are extremely helpful to me. If it can change my perspective or help me see things more positively I am grateful for it.
6. I don’t think I see the term biblical like most people do. To me, more than anything, it just means really old…and only faintly to the way of life and beliefs back then.
7. I know I have stated this already but I completely agree with this statement. I just struggle when the Bible is construed to support something that I believe to be blatantly incorrect.
8. I was aware, but only slightly. For much of my life I have not looked as closely into the origin/background of the Psalms as I should. I should add that to my “to do” list. :)