Sacred Texts, Community & Contemporary Concerns

In the previous post, I shared my own view that to fully unlock the timeless truths contained in sacred texts (including, but not restricted to the Bible) requires an appreciation that these texts are stamped by a specific time and place (reflecting a culture and history), that they give voice (sometimes multiple voices) to crises, questions or concerns relevant within that temporal and cultural context, and that the answers or understanding sought or given reflect an intimate relationship between GOD and a people or person. In some instances this resulted in the canonization of an accepted norm and in others advanced a view contrary to contemporary norms. This position does not hinder in any way the belief that a sacred text is divinely inspired nor does it attempt to minimize the defining role a sacred text has on the community from which a tradition is born or its descendants who continue to adhere to it.

To identify with a community is to also identify with the sacred texts and tradition which define it. To disassociate oneself from these sacred texts and tradition, for whatever reason (often disagreement over an associated tenet or teaching), runs the risk of self-alienation from the community or excommunication. Indeed it has become fashionable today, irregardless of the religious tradition to which one belongs, to choose from a cafeteria menu those items found to be palatable and disregard the rest. The pope recently criticized those who embrace their faith in such a piecemeal fashion.

On the other hand there is the example of Jesus, who identified himself both with a community and its sacred texts and tradition, rising to challenge the accepted norms of his contemporaries as failing to reach the higher standard (spirit of the law) to which he challenged those who aspired to follow him. The Pharisees figured to have the right formula for ensuring favor with GOD, busying themselves with determining which of the 613 prescriptions of Jewish law were the biggies, the ones that "really" counted, the ones to be observed and obeyed above all others. They were careful to perform public acts of piety, one cannot be sure whether to amaze others with their holiness or to solidify their own authority. Jesus’ response to the Pharisees was blistering.

As with the Pharisees, the institutionalization of a community can result in a disconnect between the spirit of the founding spiritual master, the kerygma and the rules of the institution. To those who sense inherent fault or contradiction in a tenet of faith addressing contemporary concerns (either not considered or not considered fully by the founder or kerygma), the institution’s leaders may appear more interested in safeguarding the institution and its authority than it is uncovering the spirit or will of its founder. I am most keenly aware of this tension as the Roman Catholic Church addresses the issue of manditory celibacy for its priests or the contribution and service of women within the ecclesial community. There are other emotionally charged issues that have become divisive and tempt an institution to take the moral low ground, concerning itself more with its own authority than with allowing the mind and spirit of the community’s founder to weigh in on the issue or concern.

It is precisely for this reason that we not cease unlocking the timeless truths found in our sacred texts. I disagree with those who quote from sacred texts in support of their own closed-minded opinions (interpolation). We are obliged instead to consider the sacred text in its entirety to extrapolate the mind and spirit behind the voice(s). Revisiting our sacred texts to uncover the timeless truths that speak to the issues that concern us serves a vital prophetic role in the evolution of the community and ensures a connectedness between the spirit of the founding master, the kerygma and the rules of the institution.

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