"Hear then the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty."
In the Episcopal Church we believe that we do not interpret the Bible: (ie Scripture) without using Tradition and Reason as part of our process. Those "tools" if you will are really helpful with this parable of Jesus. Otherwise if we were to interpret the Gospel for today, then it would appear to state that there is no diversity when reading and understanding the Bible. Given that humankind is very diverse we know that there certainly cannot be only one understanding to the Bible.
In First Run Features film For the Bible Tells Me So, Rev. Irene Monroe, remarks that our interpretation of the Bible has a lot to do with our social location. An African American, lesbian, woman is going to interpret the Bible differently than a white, heterosexual, upper class, male will. The writer to the Hebrews reminds us:
"The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And before him no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render an account." (Hebrews 4: 12-13).
This reading from Hebrews reminds us that the Word of God is a who and not a what. There is an Evangelical Pastor in the movie For the Bible Tells Me So, who is standing before his congregation remarking that this (the Bible) is the truth in print, and though the movie does not continue to show what he says next, you can pretty much waiver that the next part is "and it is not to be argued with, nor is it to be disagreed with, particularly when it comes to the issue of homosexuality."
Though the Bible is said to be sharper than a two-edged sword and is considered the "sword of the Spirit" as Ephesians 6:17 reads, the Bible in and of itself was never designed to become a weapon of mass destruction in the Name of God, as has been used down through Church history against Jewish people, women, blacks, Asians, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Native Americans, Catholics, Protestants, Anglicans, Orthodox, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered individuals and people who are challenged. It is a disgrace how much blood has been shed along with hearts turned away from God and the love of Jesus Christ due to the destructive use of Scripture to justify cruelty, violence, hatred and division towards any group of people by fundamentalist Christians. Now that same group of people have seen fit to use the Name of Jesus Christ and the Scriptures to justify cruelty and violence towards immigrants in Arizona's "papers please" law, Uganda's "Kill the Gays" bill, denying the new Supreme Court nominee her confirmation should it be discovered that she is a lesbian, stating that Bishop Gene Robinson's ordination was a violation of Scripture and that Bishop-Elect Mary Glasspool who will be consecrated and ordained this upcoming Saturday as a violation of the Bible. There are so many excuses used to justify using the Bible in destructive ways, to be sure that anyone who does not agree with those who use the few passages that appear to speak against homosexual relationships, which in fact they do not, then Christians are correct to use all means necessary to bring about violence, hatred and the most amazing horror upon LGBT people and those who associate in a friendly manner with them (us, as I am one gay man).
What amazes me is that Christians will make a mad dash to use Scripture to destroy. Is it not a shame that Christians do not use the Bible as a reason to show radical hospitality and bring about healing and reconciliation? It is truly so sad that more Christians do not read and live by Paul's letter to the Philippians where he writes;
"Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." (Philippians 4:8)
Loving, committed homosexual relationships are true, honorable, just, pure, pleasing and commendable. A bisexual who is honest with their husbands and/or wives about their sexual orientation and they find ways of living that out in honesty and integrity is true, honorable, just, pure, pleasing and commendable. A transgendered person who faces who she/he really is and lives that out in honesty with good friends, family and support for all that they go through is someone who is true, honorable, just, pure, pleasing and commendable. An individual who turns from alcohol abuse and seeks treatment for their condition is true, honorable, just, pure, pleasing and commendable. A man coming out to his wife and admitting that he is gay and that they need to find a way to end a relationship that is built on dishonesty so that they can find true love with someone they are attracted to is a true, honorable, just, pure, pleasing and commendable thing to do. Young men and women coming out to their parents who seek the help of PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) to work through their own personal and family issues, is true, honorable, just, pure, pleasing, and commendable. Two people of the same sex being allowed to get married to the person they love and share in every right and opportunity that heterosexuals enjoy is true, honorable, just, pure, pleasing and commendable. All of these wonderful things are blessed and honored by God. Why are Christians not going out of their way to honor the Word of God, Jesus Christ through honoring and blessing what God has deemed as good and holy?
The Word of God, Jesus Christ is inclusive of all people, times and places. God is not an exclusive God. God is not an unjust God. God is not one who rejoices in violence and cruelty in the name of Scripture. God does not rejoice in religious based oppression, discrimination or denigration. God loves, rejoices and wants peace and justice for all people. God the Holy Spirit wants all of her children to share in all the wonders and riches of God's salvation in and through Jesus Christ. The Table of the Presence of God in the Eucharist is a Table where everyone is welcome to come, eat, drink and take out into the world to love, serve and help those who still think there is no room at the Table for them.
Is God's holy Word taking root in our hearts so to change this world of violence, cruelty and division into a world of love, peace, holiness and joy? If not, then where do we begin?
O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Collect for the Sixth Sunday of Easter, Book of Common Prayer, Page 225).
Almighty God, who Son Jesus Christ in his earthly life shared our toil and hallowed our labor: Be present with your people where they work; make those who carry on the industries and commerce of this land responsive to your will; and give to us all a pride in what we do, and a just return for our labor; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Prayer for Rogation Day II, Book of Common Prayer, Page 259).
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Prayer for the Human Family, Book of Common Prayer, Page 815).
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