Anglicans Reading the Bible Series – Part 4

The Bible & the Church

“Proclaim the message” (II Timothy 4: 2a)

Interpretation within the Church

For the first three quarters of the Church’s life, lay people didn’t have easy access to reading the Bible themselves. Since the invention of the printing press, that’s no longer an issue in the Western world. However, some Christians have given up on attending a local church, and simply read the Bible on their own.

That’s not a good idea, for several reasons. First, readings within the Bible itself emphasize the importance of our gathering together for worship. Second, Anglicans understand that the Bible is a gift of the Church. It was the unified early Church which recognized what were inspired writings and what were not – not because of a conspiracy, but because they recognized wonderful writings which in one way or another honour God. Third, the Church helps us understand how to read and apply the gospel found in the Bible. The Bible is not meant to be read with our private interpretation between us and God. It’s meant to be shared, understood, and enjoyed together.

As well as regular Sunday worship and sharing communion together, participating in a Bible study (as well as having devotions at home) can be a great way of learning what’s in the Bible and having fun together. Sometimes our brothers and sisters in the Church can drive us crazy, but that’s how we learn to become more loving – more the people who God wants us to be.

The Preacher Said…

“I went to my local parish church this morning, and the preacher said the Bible was all outdated.” Or: “I read on the internet this morning that someone has proved that there are no miracles.” Hmm. Anglicans have tended to see ourselves as a “broad tent” – that everyone is sincerely welcome, and we are not quick to judge – “You don’t belong with us.” That’s not being wishy-washy; that’s a wonderful gift, and consistent with the hospitality expressed by Jesus Christ Himself.

But that doesn’t mean that everyone interprets Bible passages the same way, and it doesn’t mean that everyone is right.
We hope you’ll get nourished by your local parish church. If you struggle with your rector or some other aspect of parish life, keep getting fed (including reading the Bible). Pray for him or her, as well as yourself. Sometimes the people we find challenging the Lord has put into our lives so that we can grow more into the image of Jesus Christ.

Our advice would be, as a last resort, find another fellowship in the somewhat unlikely scenario that it really is so bad that we are becoming chronically more grumpy, unhappy and angry, not less, by belonging where we have been.

The folks who have put together “Anglicans Reading the Bible” are part of a Canadian Anglican group called the Anglican Communion Alliance. Our tagline is “Deepening Biblical faith in the Anglican Church of Canada.” We want to contribute helpfully to the Anglican Church of Canada by helping Anglicans know what’s in the Bible – including having personal devotions. We hope you find it helpful, and are further equipped to follow Christ joyfully and faithfully, in the months and years ahead.