Untitled Sermon (2)

Introduction

Refer to page 103: Is there a wrong way to read a book? An article in The New York Times posed this question and discussed Virgil’s Aeneid, a classic poem written in the first century BC, as a test case. It is likely that Virgil intended to make much of the Roman Empire in this work, but he could not foresee the way it would be used as a literary version of the Magic 8 Ball™. In the centuries that followed, this epic poem was used as a fortune teller; a question would be asked and a random verse selected for the answer. If Virgil had the chance to explain his work today, surely he would tell us there is a right and wrong way to read and engage with his work, and no doubt fortune telling would be a wrong way. No secret key “unlocks” the Aeneid except the intent of Virgil, its author. 1

What are some wrong ways to read the Bible?

· as a mishmash of books that contradict rather than complement each other;

· as a man-made myth or legend;

· as a science textbook;

· as having nothing to say about science or history;

· as a book that does not have God as its author;

· as a guide for fortune telling; as a book that is not perfectly inspired and true

Say: The Bible is a book that comprises the work of multiple authors, but it also has one ultimate Author who perfectly inspired all of it—God. Therefore, we can and must read the whole of Scripture in light of its central focus—Jesus Christ, who is the only way to be saved and reconciled to God.