Visual Depictions - Genres of Scripture

From Credo House Ministries:

The book of Jonah...

I found this straightforward article in the Jewish Heritage Online Magazine: Jonah the Reluctant Prophet. The article highlights the fact that the story of Jonah has traditionally been understood as parable or allegory, as midrash in the Jewish tradition. The understanding of this book as allegory, rather than history, has not in any way diminished it's meaning. In fact, this book is such a poignant parable that it is recited as part of the services for Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement), the most holy day of the Jewish year.

From the article:

The underlying theology in the book of Jonah is two-fold:
1. God’s compassion extends to all nations of the earth; and
2. Israel is under responsibility to be the vehicle by which that compassion is made known.

The sages consciously chose this book to be read in the afternoon service, as the Sabbath of Sabbaths, the Day of Atonement, draws to an end. As we pray for forgiveness and for a year of life, we recall that God is the God of all mankind, of all the Ninevehs of the world, and man, created in God’s image, is obligated to embrace and extend that compassion.

I have begun to wonder if sometimes we resist the idea that a story from the Bible may not be literal and historical because we think that somehow diminishes the value of the story; that it is somehow less true. Is it possible that the story is still true but not literal and historical?

Preparing for Discussion - Genre: Rhythm of the Text

On Wednesday this week, we will be discussing session 5 of Animate: Bible, Genre: Rhythm of the Text, presented by José Morales.

First, I want to say that I anticipate that this will be a bit of an intense topic. I appreciate how willing this group has been to dig into the harder topics and work through what these things mean for ourselves and our lives in community together as Christian people. You are all so amazing!!

Here are some scriptures and questions to get our brains in motion for this week's discussion:

* What is your initial reaction to Morales' proposition that the book of Jonah ought to be read as an allegory?

* Read the story of the Tower of Babel from Genesis 11. Consider what difference it makes to your reading of the story if you think of it as history or as allegory. 

* Consider the the following passages and how genre informs your reading:

• 1 Kings 6:2-10 (history)
• Psalms 71:14-18 (poetry)
• Amos 7:1-9 (prophecy)
• Revelation 5:1-5 (apocalyptic)

* Are there scriptures you hear quoted often in conversations and arguments that could be understood differently if genre was considered?    What comes to mind most readily for me is Paul's letters, including mandates for how women should behave in church. These are letters, written within a cultural framework, most likely in response to questions that were culturally embedded.

* Is there a particular genre of scripture that you most drawn to? Are there those that you avoid? Why do you think that is? Does this match up with the type of reading you like to do in general?

Who is José Morales?

The 5th session of Animate: Bible, Genre: Rhythm of the Text, is presented by José Morales.

José grew up in Chicago, where his parents were pastors of a Hispanic Pentecostal Church. He attended Judson College and McCormick Theological Seminary before becoming a minister in the Disciples of Christ denomination.

He’s currently the regional minister in the Central Rocky Mountain Region of the Disciples and travels the region to support pastors and churches. He also speaks and preaches regularly, and serves as an adjunct professor at McCormick. Prior to this work, he was a pastor at Iglesia del Pueblo Church in Hammond, Indiana.

Five fast facts

1. Lives with his wife in Denver
2. Is a DJ and can be found working late into Saturday night at a club
3. Still gets up early on Sunday to preach at church
4. Was born in Caguas, Puerto Rico
5. Wishes he could speed-read

(bio from:http://wearesparkhouse.org/adults/animate/bible/voices/jose/)