We cannot disentangle biblical texts from our assumptions as readers, made within our social context. A deeply entrenched view today might be that Christian faith requires an attitude of self-loathing and judgementalism - particularly impossible to escape when reading ‘fiery’ excerpts. In today’s Whirlow blog, we consider a Psalm, a passage from James’ letter and a reflection on climate change - invitations to approach things differently.
If you can, spend some time reading this Psalm and / or this chapter of a New Testament letter by James. Pay attention to what feelings and throughts arise in you as you do so. That may be all you want to do, today.
There is a shift in tone the sacred song as it moves from verse 11 to 12:
“He who disciplines the nations,
he who teaches knowledge to humankind, does he not chastise?
The Lord knows our thoughts,
that they are but an empty breath.
...
Happy are those whom you discipline, O Lord,
and whom you teach out of your law,
giving them respite from days of trouble”
Nobody wants to be disciplined and chastised. Perhaps in our era and historical perspective on faith traditions, we are particularly sensitive to it.
What are your thoughts? Is it possible for you to re-imagine discipline as a kind of natural feedback; an opportunity to stop, listen, readjust and so get respite?
Spend some time with this.
There is a similar shift between verses 11 and 12 of James’ letter:
“For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the field; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. It is the same with the rich; in the midst of a busy life, they will wither away.
...
Blessed is anyone who endures temptation. Such a one has stood the test and will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. ”
If we pay attention to nature’s messages, including the fields and flowers but also our own stories and bodies, perhaps we will find ourselves walking in Godly love?
Spend some time with this.
We may be dismayed by the plight of our planet, corrupt leadership - or other things.
We may feel pressurised to be a bit more useful and productive.
We may not believe, in all honesty, that God will support and strengthen us. Reading the bible may leave us ambivalent.
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Try paying attention to the feedback you are getting from yourself, your loved ones and your environment; what relationships and activities do you love? What inspires you? What are you sensing? What gives you a feeling of space, freedom, blessing and respite?
Can you move towards those things? They are of God.
Today’s blog has been inspired by a reflection from Jo Musker-Sherwood in her Climate Emergence blog (Jo will be at Whirlow leading a couple of workshops in May and September!)
She writes about meeting journalist, author and activist Paul Hawken to discuss climate change:
“To speak of fighting, tackling or even demonising climate change, for Paul, was redundant;
climate change is simply feedback. It’s vital information. It’s a warning sign, giving us time to adjust.
There is gift in this information, calling humanity into something new. We are being given time to change.
Paul says, ‘Nature never makes a mistake - its responses are perfect’ ”
Can we see Biblical texts, like nature’s responses to our actions, as gifts? In that they, along with our experiences, give us vibrant and life-affirming, loving feedback about what is really happening and how we might respond to the flow of that.
Do you agree with this? Spend some time here.
Photo by Caleb Woods on Unsplash