There are many ways to read the Bible, many eyes through which to view it.
There are the eyes of an archeologist. These eyes look for clues in the Bible as to where to search and dig. For example, The Armstrong Institute has found verification for a number of things by finding what the people left. I get their fascinating magazine, Let the Stones Speak. Another magazine I get and recommend is Biblical Archeology Review.
There are the eyes of an historian. These eyes seek to find what actually happened, what was it like back in the day, what were the laws and customs and diet and on and on. What was the Roman Empire like? One example, they never had a census where people had to go their home town to be counted. Can you imagine the chaos of that in the huge Roman Empire? They did have a few censuses, but the people just went to an official in the town where they lived.
There are the eyes of a linguist, of experts in ancient languages, experts in idioms, experts in how languages change over time and meanings of words change.
There are eyes of apologists who seek to make it fit their theology. They want it to be all true and literal and do all sorts of contortions in an effort to force it and to stop all thinking otherwise.
There are eyes that skim the surface and give little thought or care.
There are eyes that seek the Truth, that delve deeply, that meditate and contemplate and find deep meanings. They know that some things are myths, allegories, or parables, and they contain great truths.
This morning in meditation, I heard "No room at the Inn," is there room in your heart to nurture the Light of Christ?" The story might not be historically true, but is loaded with profound meaning.
I challenge you today to look at the Bible, or any sacred text, with new eyes. Open your eyes, your heart, and your mind to enter the Great Mystery of God.
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