Finding God Beyond the Bible
updated 6/4/14
Worship theme: Finding God Beyond the Bible
Core Question: Who do we trust?
Why this topic is in need of fresh consideration in "not ordinary times"?
Both the wonders and the danger of these times is revealed, in part, through the findings of science. In some settings, though, the honesty and authority of science is questioned or denied -- most notably in terms of climate research. A relevant church must be clear about what kinds of knowledge are respected.
Both the wonders and the danger of these times is revealed, in part, through the findings of science. In some settings, though, the honesty and authority of science is questioned or denied -- most notably in terms of climate research. A relevant church must be clear about what kinds of knowledge are respected.
What is the good news or message of faith?
God is revealed to us in many ways: scripture, nature, human reason, other faith traditions, and our own experience.
God is revealed to us in many ways: scripture, nature, human reason, other faith traditions, and our own experience.
Prerequisite topics, or follow-up on the theme:
An affirmation of scientific knowledge will be important in considering the state of creation, and what can be done.
An affirmation of scientific knowledge will be important in considering the state of creation, and what can be done.
Possible texts, sources, stories and outline notes:
Christian thought has long embraced the idea that God is revealed in many ways. One way of expressing this truth is with the idea of two "books" through which God is known -- the book of scripture, and the book of nature. Both have been recognized as important ways that we know about God.
The Wesleyan tradition (Methodist) expands on that principle by naming four different ways of knowing which "together bring the individual Christian to a mature and fulfilling understanding of the Christian faith and the required response of worship and service" -- (1) scripture, (2) tradition, (3) reason, and (4) experience.
In Christian worship, sermons and liturgy are almost always grounded in passages from scripture. The Bible is easily seen as the source that has religious importance. The historical wisdom of the church is also deep-seated -- we take very seriously ancient creeds, the writings of respected theologians and church leaders, and we are profoundly shaped by the poetic insights of hymns. Theology and ethics often draw very heavily on other forms of knowledge -- economics, sociology and psychology, the natural sciences, and philosophical reflection. Good pastors will draw on contemporary writings in literature, poetry, and academics as sources for religious understanding.
When worship so strongly emphasizes the value of scripture, it is important -- at times -- to be explicit in naming the other ways that we know about God and the world.
Possible texts:
Quotes:
"Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind." -- Albert Einstein, 1941
See an article on "Science and Faith in Harmony: Positive ways to include science in worship" from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship
Christian thought has long embraced the idea that God is revealed in many ways. One way of expressing this truth is with the idea of two "books" through which God is known -- the book of scripture, and the book of nature. Both have been recognized as important ways that we know about God.
The Wesleyan tradition (Methodist) expands on that principle by naming four different ways of knowing which "together bring the individual Christian to a mature and fulfilling understanding of the Christian faith and the required response of worship and service" -- (1) scripture, (2) tradition, (3) reason, and (4) experience.
In Christian worship, sermons and liturgy are almost always grounded in passages from scripture. The Bible is easily seen as the source that has religious importance. The historical wisdom of the church is also deep-seated -- we take very seriously ancient creeds, the writings of respected theologians and church leaders, and we are profoundly shaped by the poetic insights of hymns. Theology and ethics often draw very heavily on other forms of knowledge -- economics, sociology and psychology, the natural sciences, and philosophical reflection. Good pastors will draw on contemporary writings in literature, poetry, and academics as sources for religious understanding.
When worship so strongly emphasizes the value of scripture, it is important -- at times -- to be explicit in naming the other ways that we know about God and the world.
Possible texts:
- Romans 1:20 "Ever since the creation of the world [God's] eternal power and divine nature, invisible though they are, have been understood and seen through the things [God] has made."
- Psalm 19:1-4 "The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament shows his handiwork. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, their voice is not heard; yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world."
Quotes:
"Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind." -- Albert Einstein, 1941
See an article on "Science and Faith in Harmony: Positive ways to include science in worship" from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship
Praxis / action options:
Other weeks will go into detail about "the state of the world," drawing on scientific findings and contemporary experience. This week's worship can put forth the affirmation that the careful research of reputable scientists is important and respected.
Other weeks will go into detail about "the state of the world," drawing on scientific findings and contemporary experience. This week's worship can put forth the affirmation that the careful research of reputable scientists is important and respected.
Worship resources: