Articles
Interpreting a pluralistic religious tradition - Panel discussion January 22, 2002; Remarks by Betty Lynn Schwab
(l-r) Don Schweitzer (Chair of the Saskatoon Organizing Committee), Marc Ellis, Betty Lynn Schwab, and David Jobling at the January 22 panel discussion.
Theologically, pastorally, socially and personally, this topic matters greatly to me and from the point of view of congregational life.
Four overlapping circles are involved: my attitudes to Scripture, my attitudes to others' points of view, the spiritual/pastoral needs of the congregation and God's will or yearning for me and for our congregation now. The circles are fluid, moving with the unfolding of my personal life, our congregation's life cycle and world's events. Additionally, what we say today will be old fashioned in 3 or 10 years time. This is cause for celebration and for humility. The Word of God gets us always where we need to be got -not where we want to be got. This makes the Bible and worship utterly alive. We interpret any controversial verse in such a context.
Some congregants are beginning the faith journey, with no biblical or church familiarity. Some are very literally oriented: "don't talk about metaphor with me", says one member, "there is not one metaphorical bone in my body". Still others want to abandon the Bible entirely, doing so with fear and pain yet with careful conviction. For these, the Bible is a feeble old guide, particularly in its controversial texts. Others are, by the grace of God, far more advanced in the spiritual journey than I am, yet I am called to prepare worship for them. Right wing, left wing and no wing: this is most likely every congregation's picture.
In some, maybe many, instances, my own religious stance doesn't matter; they don't want to know it; what does matter is that I am a Christ-like presence for each of them, as they are for me.
A significant number of congregants have returned ever so tentatively to the United Church, after 1988. They are hurting still and afraid to trust the United Church yet trying again. So some controversial texts divide. Other texts draw no attention. "Bearing Faithful Witness" (problem, education process and statement) was of no interest: "aren't 'they' just being socially correct?"
Articulating contrasting points of view and why each is defended so vehemently, stressing the deeper underlying faith issues where common ground is shared, working closely with our worship and education ministry teams are significant steps in answering the question. Chatting with congregants about the question, I learned a number of our members left a church or denomination because the pastor/priest/minister took one point of view. "Surely", one member said, "the Bible is closer to a book of poetry and must be read as such". This doesn't sanctify individualism for Christ calls us into community and in true community, we must learn to get along with each other, listening for one another, holding sacred each one's faith journey, and appreciating the faithful values every position lifts up.
By Rev. Betty Lynn Schwab
