Introduction
Today I want talk with you about certain biblical words we use all the time, words that are part of the Christian vocabulary, words that we are so familiar with that we probably don't give them a second thought.
We think we know what they mean, and we assume that others know what they mean when we use them. When we use these words, we use them in the context of our way of thinking, they are viewed through the lens of how we understand doctrine, church, and God.
Generally speaking, we think they mean what we've been told they mean.
Our ways of thinking and understanding are a product of our culture, education, and various traditions that we accept as true. We live a western cultural environment, which has particular ways of viewing the world. It is a world view that values logic, reason, and systematic linear thought. Its processes come down to us from what is known as Greek philosophy, primarily influenced by Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle.
Aristotle tutored Alexander the Great, who went on to conquer most of the known world. This is how this system of thought called Greek philosophy was spread throughout the the nations. It comes down through history to us, so much so that Greek philosophy is the underlying basis of belief for systems, cultural values, and legal codes all around the world. For us, it is the way of thinking called western culture.
But it's not the only way people process what they understand. A great example is the "First Nations Version" of the Bible, put together by a Native American by the name of Terry M. Wildman. Pastor Wildman wanted a Bible that addressed the Native American ways of thinking, their culture, and their ways of expression. He said of his translation,
We ...used words and concepts more relevant to a traditional Native worldview. “Temple” became “Sacred Lodge”; “sin” became “bad hearts” or “broken ways,” depending on the context. “Angel” became “spirit-messenger,” “apostle” became “message bearer,” Jesus becomes “Creator Sets Free” and “Christ” became “Chosen One.”
Let's quote a couple of Scriptures from this translation:
The Great Spirit loves this world of human beings so deeply he gave us his Son – the only Son who fully represents him. All who trust in him and his way will not come to a bad end, but will have the life of the world to come that never fades away, full of beauty and harmony. Creator did not send his Son to decide against the people of this world, but to set them free from the worthless ways of the world. John 3:16-17
I am not ashamed of this good story, for to all who trust in its message it has Creator's power to set free and make whole. This is true, first for our Tribal People, and then to all the Outside Nations! For this good story tells about Creator's great faithfulness to do what is good and right. It is the story of faithfulness and trust from beginning to end. It is written in our Sacred Teachings, "The ones in good standing will find life by trusting in what the Great Spirit has done for them." Ro. 1:16-17
Do these jangle your nerves, or, do you find a certain elegance in these translations? What it causes me to do is to get reinvigorated. Scriptures that have become so familiar over the years that I tended to just gloss right over them are now alive again.
Another quick example, African theology. Did you know there is an entire system of theology called African theology? In many ways, Africans think differently about doctrine and faith. If we went to an African church we would probably think they're from another planet. Their beliefs and practices are greatly influenced by their culture. Just like us.
The late Ghanaian theologian Kwame Bediako said this to an American questioner:
“Well, Christianity is thriving where we are, and it’s waning where you are, so maybe there is something we have that could be helpful to you all.”
Maybe there is something to this, that our way of thinking about the faith is not necessarily the only way or even the best way. Maybe we should consider rethinking how we approach this thing we call Christianity.
That's a process I've begun to engage over the last few years. I write a blog, and in my blog I call it "rethink."
Rethink
I'm not a theologian, of course, but I don't think a Christian has to be a theologian in order to understand the great Gospel truths. Holy Spirit enlightens our minds and our spirits, He speaks truth to us.
Jn. 16:13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.
I want to know that truth. And, I want to abandon un-truth. But rethinking something is hard for me, probably because I'm also a product of Western Culture, or maybe I'm just hard-headed and stubborn. Rethinking can also be threatening. I know that I don't like to be told I might be wrong.
And of course, I might be wrong about what I'm about to tell you. This means you should always seek out for yourself to see if what I'm saying is true. Trust but verify, as President Reagan said.
There are a lot of things I've discovered in my rethink. As I mentioned, it reinvigorates me as I study the Scriptures. Almost always it results in wonder at the richness of God's holy word, His greatness, and His matchless glory. My faith rises, and sometimes in these moments I am reduced to a puddle of worship.
Unfortunately, this also means that what I've been taught about the Scriptures is not always what the Scriptures actually say. Which means that these things that challenged my thinking are possibly going to challenge yours. In fact, I hope they do.
