I
see a book, any book, as a human product, divinely inspired only in the mind of
the writer and reader. Though its
content may be attributed to divine revelation, it reflects a human
perspective, the product of the understandings of the writer. Further, its words, written in a language
employed by the writer, may have multiple meanings when translated into other
languages. Further still, its message,
in whatever language written, is subject to differing interpretation as
received through the reader’s sensory filters.
I
believe that God-messages are in ample supply through the rhythms and systems
of the natural order. They do not change
and are not subject to varying interpretation of essential meaning. They are also apparent to the observant,
reasoning mind, in the relational dimensions of human existence. For example, our human experience tells us
that hostility in human relations encourages conflict, which can lead to destruction
of life. It also tells us that when we
strive to live in a harmony of mutual respect, where human life is valued and
protected, and where differences of understanding are subject to conciliation
and compromise, humanity flourishes.
In
each major world faith, an essential life lesson has been communicated by its
inspired leader: treat others as you would be treated by them. The words differ from tradition to tradition,
but the meaning is the same. It comes
from an experiential understanding of what works for the good of all and what
does not.
Faith
traditions have experienced schism and internal conflict through their
respective histories, largely due to differing interpretations of the language
of their sacred texts – the Bible, Qu’ran, Torah, Bhagavadgita, etc., and their need to
appropriate and apply acceptable interpretation in their common life as
circumscribed by community identity - political, tribal, ethnic, etc. Attribution of an interpretation to a community
deity elevates authority beyond human challenge. Codifying it in “sacred” text solidifies its
authority. The medium becomes the
message. The community complies out of
its need for answers to life’s more difficult questions, vesting interpretive authority
in self-identified human representatives of the community deity.
Perhaps
it is well past time for us to look beyond the books and their multiple
interpretations to those persons who understand the rhythms and systems of
nature. Such understandings may be found in many
books, but the book is only a medium of communication of ideas. I suggest the ideas are human but with higher
purpose, that being the well-being of all humanity, and perhaps having superhuman
inspiration.
Do you have a different view? Please share.
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