Theology

     In comparing notes with other retired pastors it seems common that many of us do not read much theology in our retirement. Personally my reading, in addition to newspapers and the Economist, is largely fiction and history. Given The Bible And Poetry, Michael Edwards, for my birthday, this is a book I'll read. Edwards would not like it referred to as 'theology'. It would be better described as an hermeneutic (see the blog of a couple of days ago).

    "We DO NOT read the Bible as it is meant to be read. Theology always risks leading us astray by elaborating its own discourse, with the biblical  texts merely as a point of departure. The presence of poetry in the Bible is the key to a more pertinent and more faithful reading. Such are the convictions that lead me to write this book."  (Opening paragraph on page one)

    This is not new to me. Seminary teachers were very specific about the poetic nature of the Bible. With an understanding of this poetic nature 'literalism' falls by the wayside as contrary to the nature of the literature.

Takk for alt,

Al

    Not "steams of water in the desert" but streams of water flowing out of a mountain, Spili, Crete.