# 7- Revisiting The Bible

If we’re honest, and the degree of transparency is important here, we will admit the Bible is basically what the CHURCH says it IS: both local assemblies and regional or international denominations. . It is the early church (Catholic) that decided what would be the norm (can you say canon) for the church to follow. When I say church, I am alluding to the mainstream, the majority, but certainly not ALL. We’re still divided into Catholic, Protestant, and several other streams as well.

Whatever the church says is orthodox, is orthodox. It doesn’t matter if the orthodoxy manifests itself in practical orthopraxy or not as long as everyone gives submission to what is orthodox and what’s not, you’ll be just fine. You’ll be a wonderful member of the society!

Sad!

As in a dance, the church and the Bible are one when in fact it should be that WE and HE are ONE. The church would be lost without the Bible and the Bible would be just another book on the shelf without the church. This isn’t rocket science stuff.

But, here’s what seems to escape so many people. The Bible needs to be interpreted!

So, whom it is that’s doing the interpreting is very important. Agree? So who has done that for you? Who IS doing that for you since the Bible is alive, based on ones interpretation of it. Who told you Adam & Eve were actual historical people? And who was there reporting on that news worthy event anyway?

Did people like Jonah INTEND for people 2,000 years later to take his story as literal? Who decided that story was to be literal?

Over 2,000 years the church has created “traditions” that people follow today with no understanding of what or why. Well, Catholics know why: traditions are their main focus. Over the years we can follow these traditions as they leave a trail, much like a snail moving slowly over your patio deck does. Protestants have tried to dispense with the Catholic traditions but only wound up making new “snail trails” in the process.

So, the next time you argue with someone over “your view” of the Bible, you might look down to see if it’s concrete you’re standing on, or quick sand. And don’t listen to what your ego says about it.