Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Bible and authority part four (b)
(read back)...I'd like to build on Wright, Brueggemann and many others and consider using the biblical story as 'scripts' to live in. This is where I think I'm getting a little more experimental; please sharpen or shatter these ideas as you wish.
I'm pulling the idea of scripts from psychanalysis rather than literature, which Wright favours. In short they are the subconscious roles that one plays out in daily life.
We learn our individual scripts from birth, if not conception, from our family, friends and cultural inputs. Imagine for a moment how we have displayed the "most ludicrous cliche-behaviour when we have been in the grip of strong emotions such as offended pride, sexual love or jealousy. We have found ourselves behaving with truely operatic absurdity." (Cupitt, 11) Where do such actions spring from? These extreme situations demonstrate the power of scripts in daily life.
So I propose allowing the Bible authority to subvert and ultimately supplant our scripts.
The Bible contains intricate tapestries of poetry and story. It contains a workable meta-narrative and provides rich ground for Brueggemann's creative imagination. Allowing the Bible to influence our scripts is a valid way to use the text and for an ancient narrative text be authoritative.
It important to note two connected points. Firstly, psychological scripts are instilled in us from birth and not easily traced or replaced. Using the Bible to influence them demands a long process of meditation and connection with the Spirit and the text.
Secondly, living out of a biblical script isn't the same as repeating it. When faced with injustice, for example, I don't recommend stabbing a finger into the prophets or gospels to find and copy a 'solution'. Rather we should draw strength and inspiration from the narrative to faithfully re-imagine a godly outcome for our situation.
NOTES:
Bible and authority part one: here
Bible and authority part two: here
Bible and authority part three: here
Bible and authority part four (a): here
Read NT Wright's essay here
Cupitt, D. (1991). What is a Story. London, SCM Press Ltd.
