I was in conversation this morning (via text) with a beloved pastor about how important it is to remember that the bible has been translated at least six times, and each time by 100s of people. He wrote "It is when we take words from any source and fail to pray for God's application to our own individual spirits is when things go wrong." That's what I love most about these poems, Elizabeth -- that you asked questions, considered the circumstances more deeply, sought to understand beyond just what's been written down. Nicely done!
I think the compilers of the Bible tried to give us hints about how to read it when they included so many versions of different stories (notably the Gospel story, but the creation story too, and a load of others) -- versions that overlap but never quite match. How are we not meant to ask questions, to pray for "God's application to our ... spirits" -- both individually and as community?
I'll follow your question with another: How can some individuals and communities decide they have landed on *the right* interpretation? That's rhetorical, of course. :)
Oh, I love answering rhetorical questions! :-) As close as I/my community comes to “right” might be: “These are the interpretations that guide us, today, toward greater love, forgiveness, making, and mending — so, toward being more like God.” Of course if you’re thinking of the individuals and communities who have anchored themselves to a “right” interpretation to guarantee (they believe) their own spiritual safety and for the reassurance that everybody else is wrong … yeah, no idea how they can sustain that decision.
These are beautifully realized. A couple of years ago, I wrote a series of monologues based on the Gospel of John, but these far excel anything I was able to write.
Oh, Elizabeth. These poems are treasures. Wow.
These are beautiful. Thank you!
Thank you so much for reading, Charlotte! And hey, I saw your subscription come in -- thank you for that as well.
I was in conversation this morning (via text) with a beloved pastor about how important it is to remember that the bible has been translated at least six times, and each time by 100s of people. He wrote "It is when we take words from any source and fail to pray for God's application to our own individual spirits is when things go wrong." That's what I love most about these poems, Elizabeth -- that you asked questions, considered the circumstances more deeply, sought to understand beyond just what's been written down. Nicely done!
Thank you so much, Elizabeth.
I think the compilers of the Bible tried to give us hints about how to read it when they included so many versions of different stories (notably the Gospel story, but the creation story too, and a load of others) -- versions that overlap but never quite match. How are we not meant to ask questions, to pray for "God's application to our ... spirits" -- both individually and as community?
I'll follow your question with another: How can some individuals and communities decide they have landed on *the right* interpretation? That's rhetorical, of course. :)
Oh, I love answering rhetorical questions! :-) As close as I/my community comes to “right” might be: “These are the interpretations that guide us, today, toward greater love, forgiveness, making, and mending — so, toward being more like God.” Of course if you’re thinking of the individuals and communities who have anchored themselves to a “right” interpretation to guarantee (they believe) their own spiritual safety and for the reassurance that everybody else is wrong … yeah, no idea how they can sustain that decision.
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Both of these are lovely and resonant. I especially love the first one.
Thank you, Melanie. 💛🌿
These are beautifully realized. A couple of years ago, I wrote a series of monologues based on the Gospel of John, but these far excel anything I was able to write.
Thanks so much for reading, Donald, and for letting me know that they speak to you.
Your perspectives and imagery always engage me! Thank you for these! They are very thought provoking!
So glad, Sherri! Thank you for letting me know.
Oh my! Lovely as always. This first one! Especially that second stanza! Pretty much left me speechless. Thank you!!
Don't tell anyone, but I'm fond of those lines my own self. 🤫
Thanks so much for reading, Francesca.
Both beautiful expressions of the spirit, Elizabeth. Thank you!
Thank you for reading, Paul.
These are beautifully writ ! What a great way to start my day. Thank you 🙏
Thanks for reading, Andy -- I'm glad they spoke to you.
So powerful! Thanks, Elizabeth. Blessings to you this Easter. 🙏
Thank you for reading, Mary, and blessings back.
These poems are beautiful. I am in awe of the first one especially.
Thank you, MK.