Reasoning Together

This past weekend I attended a conference entitled, "Come let Us Reason Together". This came from questions concerning how to agree and disagree in love over the issue of sexuality. There were about 130 in attendance at Christ Community Church in Des Moines. Congregational leaders gathered around tables to reason and discern how to interpret the Scriptures especially when we don't agree. Some common assumptions were initially stated:

1. We are all created in the image of God.

2. We have different and sometimes conflicting beliefs about the meaning of Scripture. A vigorous dialogue about these differences is good.

3. We are committed to maintaining strong relationships with each other in the midst of differences.

4. We are committed to Jesus Christ - our Lord and Savior.

5. We are committed to the authoritative guide that Scripture has in our lives.

6. We are committed to the Church (Christ's Body) and we believe God is at work in our world through the Church.

The foundation was laid when we were reminded that we are all under the Rule of Christ. By this I mean that Jesus sums up the entire Law and the Prophets with two commands: Love God with everything you've got and Love your neighbor as yourself. (my translation). Jesus gives this double love command to show that love is the core and heart of God's intent for human relations and motivations. Love is the root for how we are to interpret Scripture. Love is the rule of Christ.

This provides the definitive framework for the church's discernment and implementation of Scripture. So we must look at all Scripture through this lens, but when it comes to interpreting the Bible we all bring our own views. We can't really help it. None of us can objectively read the Bible. Our experiences, culture, traditions, and reasoning all affect how we understand it. But I must say, I was very pleased with the spirit of humility that was present at this conference. Even though there were differences of opinions and beliefs, everyone seemed to yield and surrender to the leading of the Holy Spirit. That was a good feeling. May we continue to do so as we walk in love.