Patchworks of Meaning: Stitching Together Our Stories with Scripture
Jun 28, 2023
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Barbara Brown Taylor, a guest speaker at the 2022 Evolving Faith conference, takes us through the process of owning our evolving relationship with scripture. She encourages us to view scripture as a quilt, personalized and unique to each individual. The hosts discuss the significance of the quilt metaphor and the evolution of faith, inviting listeners to their upcoming gathering in autumn.
Embrace the freedom, humility, and responsibility of developing a personal relationship with scripture, likening it to creating a unique quilt of interpretation.
Interpret scripture with critical thinking, questioning, and wrestling, embracing the inclusion of diverse religious strangers and nighttime stories for expanded understanding and connection.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Faith and Scripture
The podcast episode discusses how faith and the interpretation of scripture evolve over time. It emphasizes the importance of taking ownership of one's own reading of scripture and developing a personal relationship with it. The speaker highlights the diverse range of individuals who have shaped the Bible throughout history, including writers, early authorities, scholars, linguists, and editors. The metaphor of a quilt is used to describe the individualized and unique nature of one's interpretation of scripture, encouraging listeners to embrace the freedom, humility, and responsibility that comes with it.
The Power of Questioning and Doubt
The podcast episode acknowledges the challenges and doubts that arise when engaging with scripture and faith. It explores the need for individuals to feel comfortable questioning and wrestling with the text. The speaker emphasizes that scripture is not meant to be blindly accepted, but rather invites critical thinking and personal interpretation. The importance of embracing the nighttime stories and the inclusion of diverse religious strangers in the Bible is highlighted as a way to expand understanding and foster connections across different faith traditions.
The Pointer, Not the Point
The podcast episode underscores that while scripture holds significance, it is not the ultimate focus of faith. It asserts that the book serves as a pointer, directing individuals towards the divine energy and source behind the text. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding that scripture is not intended to be worshiped, but rather to inspire and provoke deeper contemplation of the divine. The metaphor of using quilts to sleep beneath symbolizes the warmth, comfort, and creative expression found in the diverse interpretations of scripture.
Surprise! Another bonus episode featuring Barbara Brown Taylor from our 2022 Evolving Faith conference. Barbara skillfully walks us through how to own our ever evolving relationship with scripture. She reminds us that just as the text has stood the scrutiny of our ancestors, it can also handle ours. Barbara challenges us to see our own relationship with scripture as a quilt, with no two being the same. “Working on your quilt isn't the same as designing your own Bible, though we do that too. It's a matter of taking responsibility for how you read it and why along with the honor of putting your fingerprints on it as generations before you have done.” You don’t want to miss this episode, and you’ll most definitely want to share it with anyone in your quilt making circle.