Here is an excerpt from the beginning of the book that resonated with me:
When people do not like the plain, literal meaning of something in the Bible they are tempted to spiritualize it and so rob it of its potency. Once the truth becomes nebulous it ceases to have any practical application. They have blunted its edge; it can no longer cut. [See Hebrews 4:12 in sidebar to the right.] In the main this is what the professing Church, and evangelicals in particular, have tended to do with the biblical teaching on fasting.
...We have only to widen the meaning enough and the cutting edge has gone.
...We have only to widen the meaning enough and the cutting edge has gone.
Man, how many times has the truth of the Bible seemed too radical or over the top for comfort, so I just "spiritualize" the teaching as a concept to be interpreted? Did Jesus really mean it when he said to turn the other cheek, to love your enemies, to give more than asked if you're being sued? I mean, he can't really mean those things literally...can he?
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Great post Courtney. Sounds like an interesting book. I think that is really relevant in this day... with all the terrorism going on all over the world... with all the hatred everyone has for everyone else... we're so comfortable in our dislike when we really are to love.
ReplyDeleteSO great court, how true and what a great reminder to not sugar-coat our Christianity to what "feels" better. Have you read Richard Foster's book celebration of discipline? I found his chapter on fasting to be enlightening and helpful - Wallis sounds interesting, i think I'll pick one up!
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