Not What You Want It to Say: Reading the Bible as It Is
Listen to this Article One of the biggest differences between the way we communicate in the modern West and the way Scripture communicates in the Ancient Near Eastern world is the order of logic and story. In the Western mindset, communication usually starts with a point, a thesis, or a logical argument. Only after the point has been made, do we bring in examples, illustrations, or stories to prove or clarify it. Think of a school essay: “Here is my argument. Now here are three examples to support it.” But in the world of the Bible, things often work in the opposite direction. Instead of leading with logic, teachers, poets, and prophets led with illustration. They told a parable, painted a metaphor, used a simile, or set up a vivid image. Then the meaning or logic was left to emerge, often through wrestling, reflection, or further explanation. Jesus followed this ancient pattern. He did not usually say, “Here is the truth: love your neighbor.” Instead, He told a story abo...