Sunday, April 8, 2018

PUTTING IT IN PERSPECTIVE.

We had an interesting discussion in my Sunday school class today on the importance of perspective in biblical interpretation.

When interpreting the bible, it's critical to understand the perspective of the biblical authors in terms of target audience and historical context. The bible was written by and to an audience living in an oppressive environment. In the old testament, the prophets rail continuously against the governmental, religious, and economic "powers that be" who use their position to exploit the less fortunate. The same is true of the new testament along with the notable addition of Rome into the equation.

When I read the bible today, I take a somewhat "Rob Bell-ian" perspective.  By that I mean the bible is not speaking on our behalf as members of an oppressed class but, rather, the bible is calling us out in our role as oppressors, both individually and collectively. As individuals, all of us are the beneficiaries of the American system. We lead happy and comfortable lives. As such, we sometimes fail to understand that this system does not benefit all Americans equally. Because of this, we are hesitant to speak out and "rock the boat" lest we upset the system that favors us. It's not that we engage in this behavior consciously. From our privileged position we simply fail to see.

This is true of us collectively as Americans as well. Much like the Pax Romana was to first century peoples, the Pax Americana has imposed relative peace on the world since the end of WWII. Similarly, the Pax Americana does not benefit all peoples equally. Like in Roman times, if you're an American the system provides tremendous benefits to you. And like in Roman times, not all nations appreciate living under American military, cultural, and economic influence. Some even call us exploitative, intrusive, and, yes, oppressive.

Some would say we are the modern equivalent of the Roman Empire, in all it's glory and failings.

None of this makes us "bad people". But it is important that we understand other perspectives in order to interpret the Bible correctly.

The biblical prophets are speaking about us, not for us.

No comments:

Post a Comment