truth, language, and the RCL

As I was reading a book about words, I came across some ideas that have shaped my understanding of language as a vehicle for truth. If the author (Jacques Ellul) is correct, then scripture needs to be read aloud and with imagination in order for it to properly convey truth. Which fits in nicely with our recent move toward increased consistency in reading scripture together. Here are a few quotes - what do you think?

-----------------

One person's word against another's is the only possible fragile pointer to truth, like a compass quivering in its case... We need truth to be expressed by the most fragile agent, so that the listener remains free. The uneasiness which enables us to keep going involves knowing that we will never be able to grasp truth in its entirety, or be able to bring our adventure to a close by identifying our life with truth.

The written word is just a mummy whose wrappings must be removed someday -- not to discover a few bones, but to breathe life into it again. Only the word conveys the truth of a religious message. What the written word needs is not to be considered the source of a mere code, law, or formula, or of an indefinitely repeated prayer. It must be taken at its source and given rebirth, not by repetition, but by an inspiration that reopens it. That way the whisper can be perceived and received again. Then the word can start the listener off anew in his quest for truth.

Religious writing is filled with life only when it serves as a support and starting point for a word that is spoken, announced, or proclaimed. In this way the word becomes current and living, having left the book's pages and flown toward the listener.

Some further reading on the subject

The Revised Common Lectionary

The Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) is a calendar of Bible readings that follows a three-year cycle, and is, as the name suggests, common to a large cross-section of the Christian church. We decided to adopt it as a guideline for our readings and weekly study at the sol cafe in order to further connect ourselves to the larger church, symbolically and practically, as well as reinforce our focus on the Bible within our church. And if any of this material seems confusing, don't worry -- it's new to us too!

Some resources on the RCL for your reference:

• The Consultation on Common Texts is the official publisher of the RCL
• They have an FAQ on the RCL (pardon the alphabet soup!)
• Here is the Wikipedia entry on the RCL (to be taken with a grain of salt, as with all things found on the internet)
• textweek.com provides links to weekly readings and other resources
• The Vanderbilt Divinity Library also provides links

We also link to the weekly readings from our homepage.

We'll try and add more resources as we find them!

We Feel Fine

A fascinating work of art and technology. Wonder if this is a little like how God sees the world?

CONTENT WARNING! The "We Feel Fine" website automatically pulls text and photos from blogs around the world, with no human intervention or editing, therefore may link to content you find inappropriate. God sees into the hearts of man, you may not want to!