Using and abusing the Bible

John Frye reflects on 2 Cor. 3:2-3 and Christians' use of the Bible:

I’ve noticed two undeniable ways that the Bible is not given its rightful place in our lives and in the church at large. First, there are those who shout about inerrancy, authority, inspiration and they “battle for the Bible” in the public square. We must not remove the 10 Commandments from the courthouse lobby! What are the 10 Commandments? “Well, uh, uh, something about no other gods…uh, don’t kill…y’know.” Some claim to be all about protecting the Bible, but they hardly ever read it. Secondly, there are those who read it…diligently…so they can slice and dice it and so they can slice and dice anyone else who does not slice and dice the Bible the way they do. Oh, they know it all too well…as a weapon to bludgeon those who disagree with them. “We have the BIBLICAL view of the end times.” “We have the BIBLICAL view of baptism.” “We have the BIBLICAL view of women in the church.” “We have the BIBLICAL view of the atonement.” And on it goes. The Bible is used to winnow out the chaff from the otherwise pure church (and usually the “pure church” is some little tiny theological ghetto of adherents). They are the contemporary version of the Essenes of Jesus’ day; God’s pets.

Another version of those who do read the Bible a lot is that group who read the Bible as a diversion from the Holy Spirit. It’s much easier to have a relationship with a book, than with a Person, especially the third Person of the Trinity. Some say in effect, “No thank you. The B-I-B-L-E that’s the book for me. Don’t talk to me about a growing, intimate relationship with God the Spirit. The Spirit freaks me out. I’m told the Spirit can sneak up on you like the wind. He comes and goes at his own will. No thank you. I need to stay in control. I prefer the book.”

Some have so divorced the Bible, the written Word, from Jesus Christ, the living Word, that some feel they have the right, even the duty to use the Bible in very unChristlike ways. And do they feel righteous when they do! They’re daring! They’re prophetic! They’re powerful! They don’t compromise! And every unbeliever in their sight runs for cover thinking, “If that is the kind of person the Bible produces, I’m outta here fast!”

Again, John, ouch! And, by the way, his post is quoted extensively here, but the whole article is still worth reading.