Sacred Writ - 24 June 2023
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Editorial
Welcome to another edition of The Universal Life Networker. This week, we delve into the profound theme of "Sacred Writ," where we navigate the vast realms of the Bible and its enduring influence. From thought-provoking translations to expanding our understanding of the canon, we invite you on a journey that uncovers the rich tapestry of the written word.
In our News & Commentary section, we examine recent developments in the world of Bible translations. One notable mention is the loss of endorsement from renowned musician Michael W. Smith for The Passion Bible Translation, which faced controversy and criticism. Additionally, we explore a groundbreaking translation that challenges gender norms by referring to God without gendered pronouns, sparking both intrigue and debate among readers.
Our Resources section presents valuable opportunities for further exploration. We highlight the Dallas Theological Seminary, which offers free online Bible courses to deepen your understanding of the Scriptures. For those seeking broader perspectives, we feature introductory courses from the prestigious Yale Divinity School's Learning Beyond the Walls program.
From the Blog, we bring you two posts. "Having a Canon" explores the historical significance of the term "canon" and its relevance to discussions of Scripture. It reflects on how the concept has expanded beyond religious contexts into popular entertainment franchises, shedding light on the evolution of our understanding of authority and authenticity.
In "Expanding the Canon: The Origins and Versatility of the Bible for Universal Life Church Ministers," we dive into the origins, structure, and influence of the Bible. This essay emphasizes the importance of understanding its historical and literary context for Universal Life Church ministers. By recognizing the diverse sources of wisdom and inspiration available beyond the Bible, ministers can deliver sermons that resonate deeply with their congregations.
Through this edition of The Universal Life Networker, we aim to inspire a renewed appreciation for the Bible's timeless wisdom while encouraging a broader exploration of spiritual knowledge. We invite you to engage in the conversations and insights shared, as together we embark on a quest to uncover the sacred truths that shape our lives.
May this week's exploration of Sacred Writ ignite a spark within your soul and guide you towards a deeper understanding of the divine.
Kirby’s Comments
“The Bible is a lumber yard. Any man can go to this lumber yard and buy material to build any type or color or size of house he wants. Isn’t that the way the churches treat the Bible? The Baptists, Methodists, and Presbyterians, and all the other churches go to the Bible and get their material!” - Rev. Kirby J. Hensley, Testament of Today
News & Commentary
‘The Passion’ Bible Translation Loses Endorsement from Michael W. Smith
It’s a bitter pill for The Passion to swallow, given that it was only last year that they were dropped from Bible Gateway, in a move creator Dr. Brian Simmons decried as “cancel culture.’ Whereas The Passion’s website used to have Smith’s endsorsement, calling it a” beautiful marriage of powerful accuracy and readable, natural language,” it has now been taken down.
Backlash over ‘gender-sensitive’ Hebrew Bible translation that uses ‘God,’ not ‘He’
The new English translation refers to individuals with pronouns that are consistent with traditional gender norms. But unlike nearly all translations of the Bible throughout history, the new edition, known as RJPS, does not refer to God with masculine pronouns. It doesn’t use feminine pronouns either: Instead, God is referred to simply as “God” throughout the text.
Resources
Dallas Theological Seminary - Free Online Bible Courses
Learning Beyond the Walls - Yale Divinity School Introductory Courses
From the Blog
Having a Canon
20 or 30 years ago, the word 'canon' wasn't really part of the everyday vernacular. Often I found it being confused with 'cannon,' the heavy artillery used in wars. Over the years the public has become accustomed to talking about what is 'canon' and what is not in relation to popular entertainment franchises, like Harry Potter or Star Trek. This term, 'canon,' is one that has historically been used most in the West when speaking of what counts as Scripture, and what does not.
Expanding the Canon: The Origins and Versatility of the Bible for Universal Life Church Ministers
The Bible, a collection of sacred texts revered by Jews and Christians, holds immense significance in the spiritual and cultural fabric of humanity. Its origins, structure, and influence have shaped religious traditions and Western civilization at large. As Universal Life Church (ULC) ministers, understanding the historical and literary context of the Bible allows for a more nuanced appreciation of its teachings. Furthermore, recognizing the diverse sources of wisdom and inspiration available beyond the Bible can empower ministers to deliver meaningful sermons that resonate with their congregations. In this essay, we will explore the origins and structure of the Bible, its role in Judaism and Christianity, and how ULC ministers can effectively draw from various sources for preaching.
Just for Fun
