It Ain T Necessarily So When Scripture And Tradition Collide

A line from the song "It Ain't Necessarily So," from the Gershwin brothers' play "Porgy and Bess," tells us that "the things that you're liable to read in the Bible, it ain't necessarily so." While we would like to take issue with that comment, this book, of the same title as the song, explores the validity of such a seemingly heretical statement. But it isn't what we read, so much as how we interpret those words that "ain't necessarily so." While the words are accurate, sometimes our understanding can be a bit off-track. In this work, Pastor Austin challenges the reader to explore the relationship between Scripture and Tradition in our lives and in our faith formation. Much of what we claim to believe about the Scriptures is actually based more on our Traditions than we wish to acknowledge. We have been taught by previous generations what the Scriptures are saying to us. This becomes a significant part of our individual Tradition-the sum total of what we believe the Scriptures to say and how they compel us to act. Because we trust those ancestors not to lead us astray, we don't question this Tradition. Perhaps we should. One of the primary assertions of this work is that "Tradition trumps Truth." We don't intend for it to be so, but often what we think we are reading in the Scriptures is tainted by years of Tradition and the teaching of the Church. We don't question what we've been taught; it is the Truth. Sometimes, however, that "truth" is slightly skewed by our life experiences and teachings. When this happens, Scripture often yields to our own Tradition, without our awareness that this is happening. This book explores the possibility that when "Tradition trumps Truth," there might be more than one way of understanding the Scriptures, particularly when we recognize how our truth has been compromised by years of tradition and practice. This is not to say that we have been wrong for all of these years. But these chapters are written in the hopes of spurring further discussion into the many layers in which the Scriptures are given to us, and perhaps lead us to gaining new insights and appreciation for the depths of our faith, not to replace our previous convictions, unless necessary, but to augment them.

A line from the song "It Ain't Necessarily So," from the Gershwin brothers' play "Porgy and Bess," tells us that "the things that you're liable to read in the Bible, it ain't necessarily so." While we would like to take issue with that comment, this book, of the same title as the song, explores the validity of such a seemingly heretical statement. But it isn't what we read, so much as how we interpret those words that "ain't necessarily so." While the words are accurate, sometimes our understanding can be a bit off-track. In this work, Pastor Austin challenges the reader to explore the relationship between Scripture and Tradition in our lives and in our faith formation. Much of what we claim to believe about the Scriptures is actually based more on our Traditions than we wish to acknowledge. We have been taught by previous generations what the Scriptures are saying to us. This becomes a significant part of our individual Tradition--the sum total of what we believe the Scriptures to say and how they compel us to act. Because we trust those ancestors not to lead us astray, we don't question this Tradition. Perhaps we should. One of the primary assertions of this work is that "Tradition trumps Truth." We don't intend for it to be so, but often what we think we are reading in the Scriptures is tainted by years of Tradition and the teaching of the Church. We don't question what we've been taught; it is the Truth. Sometimes, however, that "truth" is slightly skewed by our life experiences and teachings. When this happens, Scripture often yields to our own Tradition, without our awareness that this is happening. This book explores the possibility that when "Tradition trumps Truth," there might be more than one way of understanding the Scriptures, particularly when we recognize how our truth has been compromised by years of tradition and practice. This is not to say that we have been wrong for all of these years. But these chapters are written in the hopes of spurring further discussion into the many layers in which the Scriptures are given to us, and perhaps lead us to gaining new insights and appreciation for the depths of our faith, not to replace our previous convictions, unless necessary, but to augment them.

Truth, Legend, and the Stories You Thought You Knew Tradition suggests Mary Magdalene was a prostitute and Jesus was born in a barn. But what does the Bible really say? Armed with her theology degree, archaeological experience, and sharp wit, Amanda Hope Haley clears up misconceptions of Bible stories and encourages you to dig into Scripture as it is written rather than accept versions altered by centuries of human interpretations. Providing context with native languages, historical facts, literary genres, and relevant anecdotes, Haley demonstrates how Scripture—when read in its original context—is more than a collection of fairy tales or a massive rule book. It’s God’s revelation of Himself to us. She teaches you to… understand how the books of the Bible were written, transmitted, and translated recognize the differences between genuine Scripture and popular doctrines boldly seek God in His own words, ask questions of tradition, and find answers in the texts grow in your understanding of God and appreciation of the Bible’s intimate and complex revelation of His nature It’s time to abandon the gods of tradition, and meet God in His Word.

Since it was first published, the SCM Studyguide to Theological Reflection has quickly gained a reputation for being a vital and accessible guide to the subject for all who embark on it for the first time. This studyguide offers newcomers a step by step introduction to understanding what theological reflection is and helps them to explore which of the methods introduced best suits them and their particular situation. It is practical in emphasis, providing students with a wide variety of worked examples and opportunities to carry out their own exercises. This 2nd edition will bring the content up to date, offering a revised and improved bibliography and updated and refreshed examples and exercises, including new sections on scriptural reasoning and contemplative theology.

Insider twentysomething Christian journalist Brett McCracken has grown up in the evangelical Christian subculture and observed the recent shift away from the "stained glass and steeples" old guard of traditional Christianity to a more unorthodox, stylized 21st-century church. This change raises a big issue for the church in our postmodern world: the question of cool. The question is whether or not Christianity can be, should be, or is, in fact, cool. This probing book is about an emerging category of Christians McCracken calls "Christian hipsters"--the unlikely fusion of the American obsessions with worldly "cool" and otherworldly religion--an analysis of what they're about, why they exist, and what it all means for Christianity and the church's relevancy and hipness in today's youth-oriented culture.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From one of the world’s most influential spiritual thinkers, a long-awaited book exploring what it means that Jesus was called “Christ,” and how this forgotten truth can restore hope and meaning to our lives. “Anyone who strives to put their faith into action will find encouragement and inspiration in the pages of this book.”—Melinda Gates In his decades as a globally recognized teacher, Richard Rohr has helped millions realize what is at stake in matters of faith and spirituality. Yet Rohr has never written on the most perennially talked about topic in Christianity: Jesus. Most know who Jesus was, but who was Christ? Is the word simply Jesus’s last name? Too often, Rohr writes, our understandings have been limited by culture, religious debate, and the human tendency to put ourselves at the center. Drawing on scripture, history, and spiritual practice, Rohr articulates a transformative view of Jesus Christ as a portrait of God’s constant, unfolding work in the world. “God loves things by becoming them,” he writes, and Jesus’s life was meant to declare that humanity has never been separate from God—except by its own negative choice. When we recover this fundamental truth, faith becomes less about proving Jesus was God, and more about learning to recognize the Creator’s presence all around us, and in everyone we meet. Thought-provoking, practical, and full of deep hope and vision, The Universal Christ is a landmark book from one of our most beloved spiritual writers, and an invitation to contemplate how God liberates and loves all that is.

The stories of Scripture are for everyone. No exceptions. Emmy Kegler has a complicated relationship with the Bible. As a queer woman who grew up in both conservative Evangelical and progressive Protestant churches, she knows too well how Scripture can be used to wound and exclude. And yet, the stories of Scripture continue to captivate and inspire her--both as a person of faith and as a pastor to a congregation. So she set out to fall in love with the Bible, wrestling with the stories inside, where she met a God who continues to seek us out--appearing again and again as a voice, a presence, and a promise. Whenever we are pushed to the edges, our voices silenced, or our stories dismissed, God goes out after us--seeking us until we are found again. And God is seeking out those whose voices we too quickly silence and dismiss, too. Because God's story is a story of welcome and acceptance for everyone--no exceptions. Kegler shows us that even when we feel like lost and dusty coins--rusted from others' indifference, misspent and misused--God picks up a broom and sweeps every corner of creation to find us.

The Sailing Bible is the complete, hands-on manual packed with detailed step-by-step diagrams, lively action photos, and helpful advice on getting the most out of your sailing at whatever level. Whether you are a dinghy or yacht sailor just learning the basics or wanting tips on sailing with the best, this is the book that will give you all the answers you are looking for. It's all in here! -What type of dinghy or yacht? -Cruising and racing -Launching, helming and capsizing -Mastering the trapeze -Sailing with a spinnaker -Managing a crew -Reading the weather -Racing techniques and tactics -Buoyage, tides, charts and navigation -Anchoring and marina berthing -Knots, ropes and flags -Boat etiquette and seamanship -Rules of the road, safety and emergencies -Boat maintenance and repair and much more... This second edition has been revised throughout and brought completely up-to-date, including new techniques and new approaches to navigation, first aid and berthing. 'It's a beautifully designed book, with glossy photos, diagrams and clear text, and a great read whether you're just starting out or looking to improve your skills' Practical Boat Owner 'Lavishly illustrated, sharp photography ... a first-class introductory text' Yachting Monthly