Words as Weapons

Rediscovering Faith: The Bible Beyond Tradition and Context

Growing up Catholic, the Bible wasn’t read in my home. It was quoted at mass, but not at home.

My mom had a copy of the good book, albeit tucked away in her panty hose drawer. Historically,

the lay people of the church were forbidden to read it citing “With their lack of religious training,

education, and understanding, they could not comprehend it.” That was partially true.

When my ears heard the holy word of God through Christian radio, my appetite for

enlightenment burst forth and consumed me. I bought my own copy, read it, shared it, joined a

bible study, and my life changed forever. I memorized scripture and told everyone it was the best

and only way to know God. That is partially true.

I later learned that nature; earth, animals, vegetation, ecosystem, and the galactic universe were

God’s first word and “It was good.” Time spent in nature is time with the divine.

Later later I learned how important it is to consider the era in which the bible was written, the

people for whom it was written, and the context of that culture. It is a living document meant for

interaction, discussion, and dare I say, change. There is variability among each interpretation of

this ancient text, and from whence an archaic culture it comes.

I’ve had religious people confidently proclaim, “If you don’t forgive, you don’t get into heaven.”

Or “The woman’s role is in the home.” I questioned those declarations and felt inspired to find

the validity in unprovable religious hearsay.

Finding Divine Clarity: A Transformative Journey Through Faith

Beginning May 1, 2020, I decided to read the bible with an open heart, open mind, and one word

at a time first thing every morning. I read it in alphabetical order, skipping names and

geographical references. It’s been five years now, and I quit counting the number of days that

have begun with jaw dropping clear communication from God. It’s not every day, but honey,

when it happens, I know I am in the right place at the right time doing the right thing. And that’s

the whole truth.

One recent poignant moment happened the morning when the word “father” fell on the

anniversary of my father’s passing. Signs aren’t lost on me. While attending mass that same

morning, the very one in honor of my dad, the scripture was about the man who said he couldn’t

follow Jesus in that moment because he had to bury his father. That one, a billboard.

I believe God loves it when we are open to the mystery of faith and willing to ask questions.

When people or a situation puzzles me, I discuss it with Yahweh on my morning walks, while

meditating, and in the word of the day. I usually gain clarity, or direction, or a creative solution,

and peace knowing the Creator is listening.

A recent hot topic, which really isn’t a new issue because it’s been happening since the beginning

of human existence, is the immigrant, the foreigner, the outsider of one’s culture. I personally

believe people should be able to live wherever they want and to make a living, however, and

wherever they choose. This is not a political stance or statement, I see it as a human right.

During the most recent fury, my word was “fatherless.” The scripture, Deuteronomy 10:18, “He

executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and

clothing.”

Reclaiming Love: Unmasking Misused Scriptures to Embrace All

Clearly, God cares about the orphan, widow, and loves the immigrant, stranger, traveler, and

alien by providing them with basic needs. My first reaction was to post this scripture on social

media and call out every “Christian” in this debate. I was ready to aim and fire the holy word of

God everywhere!

Then…God’s gentle voice reminded me of the way the bible has been used to alienate, abuse,

isolate, and ruin millions of lives by the scriptures people have twisted to fit their own agenda of

hatred, judgement, and condemnation.

I think about the way the LGBTQ community has been and continues to be ostracized. I think

about the way divorced and single parents have been treated. These Biblers proclaim, “The holy

word of God says “this”, and it says “that” and “You are going to hell, and God hates you for

who you are!” Totally UNTRUE!

Recently, and most thankfully, there are intelligent people digging deep into church history and

context of the Bible. They are revealing the truth about the culture and authors who interpreted

its text. And sorry, not sorry, holy rolling lads and lasses, but it’s not in favor of those who use

the Bible to spread hate and do harm.

I dig my heels in and push back when someone takes one scripture verse and makes a statement

without reading the whole story and the context of the story. For example, one line thrown about

by uninformed Bible thumpers is the one about cutting hair and having tattoos. A relative of

mine once quoted this scripture to judge someone in our family with tattoos. She said, “It’s in the

Bible.” I questioned her about the whole sentence that included cutting one’s hair, (her hair is

short), she said, “I don’t cut my hair, someone else does.” Read the whole paragraph, my kin,

because not cutting one’s hair and having tattoos was about worshiping false gods.

We need a spiritual and scriptural revolution to undo the damage that has been done and to prevent more harm from happening.

Even though I was locked and loaded to blast my pro-sojourner scripture, I didn’t. I sat quietly

with the knowledge that Jesus would NEVER treat an immigrant in such a harmful way. I also

know the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God, that the Lord Almighty is ever

present, all knowing, and loves all.

There is more love in God’s word than anything else. Referencing the Bible triggers trauma for

some, and that breaks my heart. I experience divine power and presence through that book. I

don’t want anyone to miss these moments because a misguided person pointed their judgemental

finger in their face with a false interpretation of the living, and loving word of God.