What do we do with the Bible? Does this ancient, sometimes violent and contradictory text have anything to teach us today? Selective use of Scripture — by preachers and politicians alike — has been employed to justify violence, racism, misogyny, homophobia . . . the list goes on. Still, we believe the Bible has something important to say. How can we read it in a contemplative and intelligent way?
In What do we do with the Bible?, Richard Rohr answers just this question. He offers a methodology of hermeneutics (interpretation) that creates a foundation for a hopeful and cosmic vision — incarnation from beginning to end of time. (He explores this vision further in The Universal Christ). In particular, Father Richard focuses on Jesus’ own method of using his Hebrew Scriptures. Jesus read between the lines to find and follow God’s mercy, inclusion, and compassionate justice. For him, everything came down to relationship and transformation.
