TRAPPED OR FREE
by Bob Wickizer
Scripture: Job 1:1, Job 2:1-10, Psalms 26:1-12, Hebrews 1:1-4, Hebrews 2:5-12, Mark 10:2-16
Title: Trapped or Free
Author: Bob Wickizer
Text: Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Psalm 26, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Mark 10:2-16
I want to reflect on a topic that seems obscure, arcane, academic, and wholly inapplicable to modern life. It is a topic that underlies the brief gospel we heard today. It is something most of us instinctively take for granted, never giving a second thought. At the same time it is essential for a healthy, mature faith. It is vital for our social interactions, and it enables us to enjoy science fiction movies. What is that topic you ask? (drum roll) It is hermeneutics.
Say what?
Hermeneutics is a formal part of the academic field of rhetoric that addresses the question of HOW we interpret texts. I would add to that definition that right behind understanding HOW we interpret texts, is the question of WHY we apply one particular interpretive method over another.
It might be instructive to consider concrete examples of two interpretations of Mark 10:2-16.
First up is Joe and Paula. Both are older adults whose spouses died. Both partners have children and grandchildren. Paula has a nice car, a nice house, a sizeable bank account, and good retirement income. Joe is the assistant pastor of a large Baptist congregation in a small town. He has never had any other job since college. His house, car, and financial status reflect a life of barely making it.
During a brief, intense courtship Joe put on his charm offensive and Paula fell in love. We're never sure whether Joe did too because he plays all his cards close to his chest. Returning from a honeymoon visiting a national park, Joe demanded that he have control over all of Paula's finances. He began giving money to his children and grandchildren like a drunken Santa Claus. He forbids his wife to have friends outside of their immediate church social circle. He doesn't interact with Paula's family. He constantly calls her when she is away to make sure that she is all right.
Needless ...
Author: Bob Wickizer
Text: Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Psalm 26, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Mark 10:2-16
I want to reflect on a topic that seems obscure, arcane, academic, and wholly inapplicable to modern life. It is a topic that underlies the brief gospel we heard today. It is something most of us instinctively take for granted, never giving a second thought. At the same time it is essential for a healthy, mature faith. It is vital for our social interactions, and it enables us to enjoy science fiction movies. What is that topic you ask? (drum roll) It is hermeneutics.
Say what?
Hermeneutics is a formal part of the academic field of rhetoric that addresses the question of HOW we interpret texts. I would add to that definition that right behind understanding HOW we interpret texts, is the question of WHY we apply one particular interpretive method over another.
It might be instructive to consider concrete examples of two interpretations of Mark 10:2-16.
First up is Joe and Paula. Both are older adults whose spouses died. Both partners have children and grandchildren. Paula has a nice car, a nice house, a sizeable bank account, and good retirement income. Joe is the assistant pastor of a large Baptist congregation in a small town. He has never had any other job since college. His house, car, and financial status reflect a life of barely making it.
During a brief, intense courtship Joe put on his charm offensive and Paula fell in love. We're never sure whether Joe did too because he plays all his cards close to his chest. Returning from a honeymoon visiting a national park, Joe demanded that he have control over all of Paula's finances. He began giving money to his children and grandchildren like a drunken Santa Claus. He forbids his wife to have friends outside of their immediate church social circle. He doesn't interact with Paula's family. He constantly calls her when she is away to make sure that she is all right.
Needless ...
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