5.4. Two Ways to Read the Bible
" Mimetic realism takes it cues from the Bible when it demonstrates that, at its very core, both Testaments are first of all helping us understand our violent selves, and then, in the light of the True Human, being transformed into authentic humanity.”
When God Speaks. "Now comes the key: recognizing that there are two trajectories in the Hebrew Scriptures and that the Gospel specifically and intentionally follows one and not the other. Rather than simply tie revelation to language or words as has been done since the early third century (in most Christian circles), we will tie it to the mechanism that generates language in the first place, namely, sacrificial violence.” This leads to the obvious question, How do we know and understand God speaking in the Bible. First, Jesus is the figure who reveals the character of God. Second, God speaks through broken vessels. “...we do not need to have a theory of Scripture where the Bible must be perfect in order for God to reveal God’s self. Some may object and say but if that is the case how do we distinguish between what is “man’s word” and what is “God’s Word?” This has already been answered by suggesting that revelation comes through the voice of the forgiving victim. It is the Crucified that speaks the eternal word: shalom. The forgiveness announced by Jesus on the cross is no different than the ‘shalom’ announced by the Risen Jesus. They are flip sides of a coin. God is at peace with humanity.”
The idea that God has a violent side is, in Hardin’s words, a satanic evil or principle. He suggests 7 interconnected ways that Christian theology has been coopted by this satanic principle.
- Philosophically. The mixing of Greek philosophy with Christian theology has not always been beneficial. Greek philosophy has a decidedly violent component.
- Epistemologically.
- Sociologically. The “satanic principle” leads to us versus them ideas which inevitably leads to scapegoating
- Psychologically.
- Economically.
- Christian discipleship or spirituality. Leads to holiness codes and forms of practice that require human effort.
- Sacrificial hermeneutic.
Interpreting the Bible As Discipleship.
Hardin, Michael (2013-09-26). The Jesus Driven Life: Reconnecting Humanity With Jesus, 2nd Edition Revised and Expanded (Kindle Locations 4399-4403). JDL Press. Kindle Edition.
Hardin, Michael (2013-09-26). The Jesus Driven Life: Reconnecting Humanity With Jesus, 2nd Edition Revised and Expanded (Kindle Locations 4314-4317). JDL Press. Kindle Edition.
Hardin, Michael (2013-09-26). The Jesus Driven Life: Reconnecting Humanity With Jesus, 2nd Edition Revised and Expanded (Kindle Locations 4303-4304). JDL Press. Kindle Edition.