Using Scripture Maturely

Interpreting the Scriptures is not an easy task. But a very important one. We need to wrestle with them, looking at them in their historical context and then faithfully setting them in our present one.

Here's a useful insight from Richard Rohr:

When Scriptures are used maturely they proceed in this order:

1. They confront us with a bigger picture than we are used to, "God's Kingdom" that has the potential to "deconstruct' our false and smaller kingdoms.

2. They have the power to convert us to an alternative worldview by proclamation, grace, and the sheer  attraction of the good, the true and the beautiful ( not by shame, guilt, or fear, which are low-level motivations, but which operate more quickly and so churches often resort to them).

3. They then console us and bring deep healing as they "reconstruct" us in a new place with a new mind and heart.