Exciting and Dangerous

OK, it’s week 3 of Metaphysical Theology and I think I’m starting to get the big picture or at least part of it.  I’m finding that there is a whole system of study here that empowers the intelligent discussion of all things religious, however one interprets THAT.  As one part of theology, I have always thought biblical interpretation was something that only someone with years of learning was able to do. When I took my first class in metaphysical interpretation I felt as if someone had given me a golden key.  With a little work, I could apply these wordy stories to my experiences and have another tool for understanding the strange mysteries of life. There was a way to make sense of this book called the Bible that could make it relevant to me.  Now I have even more tools with which to critically discern what the bible is saying…to me, as an individual.

Here’s where it gets tricky.  One of the discussion questions in Glimpses asks why metaphysical interpretation is both exciting and dangerous.  (Is danger not exciting?)  As an individual doing interpretation for myself how I do it and what conclusions I come to is exciting. And it’s my own business and if it’s a bit misguided or ill-informed it doesn’t really matter because I know God isn’t “up there” grading me and I’m not influencing others.  Unless, of course, I happen to be a self-proclaimed mystic or prophet.  Yes, some might consider being a self-proclaimed prophet to be exciting, but, as an individual, I believe we need to be aware that we can wander far afield. Without a willingness to acknowledge this and continuing to refine my interpretation techniques, instead of the “word of God” cracking me open I may just wind up being labeled cracked up or even cracking up, either of which would be dangerous.

 As ministers, however, we are responsible for the education and, may I say, enlightenment of an entire community and as such it is our responsibility to be informed to the best of our ability and that’s exciting. To help people understand the story behind the story and see the light bulb go off is exciting. Now, I admit to a little uninformed interpretation myself but when sharing, I always admit that this is the world according to Keri.  What’s dangerous and possibly exciting and scary is that there are times when I may be speaking to an audience who knows more than I do or who believes differently than I do.  The earlier I am in my ministry the more likely I am to come across the former.  The more experience I develop as a minister the more likely it is that I will put myself in the position to be in front of the latter, although even my own congregation will have their opinions.  Yep, it will be dangerous and exciting.