What should Friends in the unprogrammed tradition teach about
the Bible? About Jesus? I often hear these questions asked.
Certainly, we should teach the classic narratives and poetry and
the discursive passages which have spoken powerfully to people
in every generation for thousands of years. The really big
question, I believe, is not what to teach, but how. Friends have
long said we should read scripture in that Light in which it was
written. I believe this means reading prayerfully with deep
honesty, integrity, and compassion, and with vulnerable
humility. If we so read scripture, I think we would be surprised
with each new reading. The Bible contains words about the Word,
but is not that Word itself. Friends are clear about this. But
God can use those words like a marvelous trickster to open up
new places within us. The religious educator helps provide
environments for this opening and offers opportunities for
others to share with the community the measure of Light, or
Truth, given them through their praye