Core Beliefs-Bible?

Friends, I have a dilemma and I’m not sure where to go with it.  The Bible is the thickest leg of that three-legged stool upon which we rest our faith.  (Tradition and Reason are the other two.)  We use lots of scripture in our worship.  And yet, here are some brief encounters I’ve had as I’ve been around churches in just the last year.

-Two retired women and I just finished reading the Book of Acts aloud over two months.  One said she’d never read much of the Bible. The other lady said that she was totally surprised with the action of those early Apostles and asked what we can read next.

-I know of study groups that will read all sorts of theology and history and things about the Bible but rarely open the Book itself in their group.

-At both of the most recent 5^th Sunday dialog sermons, there’s been a question  about interpreting the Bible.

Makes me wonder.

-But this one sticks with me the most.  During an open conversation about adult forum topics, one gentleman said he wouldn’t come to any Bible study no matter how much we said it was open and no experience was required.  He knew so little that he’d be too embarrassed.  I doubt that he is the only one who feels this way.  Usually there are several others too embarrassed to speak up.

I read the Bible mostly by myself, off and on, from age 10 into adulthood, and mostly because there weren’t any alternatives. It’s a far richer experience when shared with others.  Are you like any of those people I’ve described?  The stories, myths, poetry, songs, letters of the Bible have been opening up people’s experience of God in their lives for millennia, and can do so for us today.  Where, when, how can we help each other ‘read, mark, learn and inwardly digest’ the holy Scriptures?  I look forward to your comments.  Pleased don’t be embarrassed or shy.

-the Rev. Mary Slenski