The idea of reading scripture as Literature was a great transition after reading about theme in The Literary Experience last class. I sometimes find myself neglecting to view the Bible as a work or literature (possibly because it seems blasphemous or something around those lines to some people). But reading Scripture from this perspective does require “a willing surrender” in order to fully soak in the text. In reading literature, we must learn to let go of what we believe we know in order to assemble a new point of view. This should be the same as with the bible. And I also believe a particular theme or moral should not be what we seek from reading the Word. In order to get the full value and understanding from scripture we must learn to participate in it, which means being full involved in a literal and figurative sense.
While reading the Book of Joel for class, it was difficult for me to feel like I was participating in the text. I will admit I was not fully engaged with the story. However, in class on Monday we had to find a spot outside where we would read passages from the book out loud. This made me understand the story a little bit more and feel the commandment in the tone. Rereading this Book from a literary perspective helped experience the strong sense of imagery and the poetic qualities of the story.
It is important to become fully engaged in Scripture as it is to be engaged in literature. In literature, we, as readers, are trying to understand from the writer’s viewpoint. In Scripture, we are trying to understand from the Lord’s perspective, yearning for revelation through His word. We never truly receive the full revelation of all God has in store in our lives, but careful examination of the Word helps reveal His desires.
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I completely agree! Whenever I read the text the first time, I did not feel engaged at all. But reading it outside, I definitely felt more of an understanding of the book of Joel.
ReplyDeleteThe last paragraph was my favorite! You are very gifted with words. The last sentance is great. I do find myself reading Scripture and literature mindlessly sometimes and I need to examine it more.
ReplyDeleteI really liked reading this post, Miss Annalee. It is so true that we should engage in Scripture, just as we do literature, not only in paying attention when reading it, but also in finding what the author's viewpoint was and the context. You are a really good writer too, might I add.
ReplyDeleteI appreciated what you said about the importance of being fully engaged in Scripture as we are in literature. That is really insightful. I suppose I agree with the rest that the last paragraph hit home. Good job, Annalee!
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