We have been on a long journey of grappling with scripture and how to approach the sacred texts that have been so central to our spiritual traditions. For many of us, the scriptures have been a source of deep pain and wounding. We have seen them wielded as weapons to marginalize, oppress, and silence the voices of those on the margins – women, LGBTQ+ people, racial and ethnic minorities, and others whose experiences have been disregarded and buried.
The truth is, we have all experienced scripture and tradition through the lens of our own lived experiences. And for those of us whose identities and stories have been diminished or erased by the dominant narratives, it has made trusting and embracing the scriptures an immense challenge. How can we find ourselves represented in texts that have so often been used to negate our very existence?
And yet, we are learning that the scriptures themselves contain a diversity of perspectives – affirming stories about gender non-conforming people sit alongside verses used to stigmatize LGBTQ+ identities. Stories from marginalized communities offer lenses into the biblical texts that dominant cultures have overlooked or ignored. We are recognizing that scripture is not a single, monolithic text, but a multivocal collection crying out for us to hold the tension of its contradictions.
In this space of tension and complexity, we are being called back to the core of our spiritual traditions – to treat one another with compassion, dignity and love. We are learning to approach the scriptures with humility, knowing that our individual experiences shape our interpretations. We are seeking out the voices of the marginalized within the texts and lifting up their stories. And we are looking beyond the texts themselves to the sacred wisdom found in nature, art, poetry, and the lives of those around us.
For those of us who have been wounded, we are allowing ourselves to tend to our pain with tenderness. We are giving ourselves permission to step away when the scriptures trigger trauma. We are seeking healing in alternative spiritual practices or in the symbolic life-giving forces of the natural world around us. We are questioning deeply – both the scriptures themselves and the harmful interpretations that have caused such destruction.
Ultimately, we are being summoned to a new way of relating to our traditions – with open hearts, critical minds, and a willingness to hold ambiguity. We are weaving a web of stories from scripture, from nature, from tradition, and from our own lived experiences. And we are committing to ensure that all voices have a place at the table to shape how these stories continue to evolve and transform us.
Summary
Marginalized groups have had their experiences downplayed, negatively impacting understandings of scripture and tradition. Western Christianity has grown suspicious of personal experiences due to Greek dualism and the Enlightenment’s privileging of reason. Bringing diverse voices to the table and truly listening is crucial for more inclusive interpretations. Scripture, tradition, and personal experience are all forms of human experience that need to inform each other – any attempt to ignore certain experiences limits understanding. The Bible contains stories in conversation with other cultural myths that modern readers lack context for. Approaching it with humility and openness to new perspectives is important, rather than overly simplistic interpretations. Nature can serve as a sacred wisdom text, especially for those wounded by exclusionary scriptural interpretations. For the wounded, self-compassion, exploring alternatives, and deep questioning can aid healing. Importantly, the Bible itself contains a diversity of perspectives, some affirming and others stigmatizing marginalized groups, highlighting the need to engage its multivocality.
Key Points
1. Marginalized groups like women, people of color, and those lacking power have had their experiences downplayed, negatively impacting our understanding of scripture and tradition.
2. Western Christianity has grown suspicious of nature, the material world, and personal experiences due to Greek dualism and the Enlightenment’s emphasis on reason over experience.
3. Bringing diverse experiences to the table and listening to marginalized voices is crucial for a healthier, more inclusive understanding of religion and scripture.
4. Scripture, tradition, and personal experience are all forms of human experience that need to inform each other.
5. Any attempt to ignore or edit out certain experiences from the conversation is problematic and limits our understanding.
6. The Bible contains stories in conversation with other cultural myths and stories, which modern readers often lack context for.
7. Approaching scripture with humility and openness to new perspectives is important, rather than seeking overly simplistic interpretations.
8. Nature can serve as a sacred text and source of wisdom, especially for those wounded by exclusionary interpretations of traditional scriptures.
9. For those hurt by scripture, self-compassion, exploring alternative spiritual paths, and questioning deeply can aid healing.
10. The Bible contains a diversity of perspectives, some affirming and others stigmatizing marginalized groups, highlighting the importance of engaging its multivocality.
