A Quaker's View of the Bible

There are three ways of dealing with Biblical events and doctrines which often follow one another in personal experience in three consecutive stages. The first is a naive, uncritical acceptance of every statement at its face value. This may be followed by a critical appraisal in the light of scientific facts and historical research. The result of such an analysis is usually a rejection of parts of the Bible and sometimes an attitude of complete skepticism regarding Biblical religion in general. A third stage may then follow which, while retaining the critical attitude, makes possible a return to belief with an understanding of the deeper meanings inherent in the words of the Bible. At this stage we are not so much concerned with historical validity or rational consistency with our scientific or philosophical outlook as we are with the inner significance of history, myth and symbol. Symbol is a language of religion but it must never be a substitute for religion. All living theology grows out of personal experience. Accordingly, each Biblical text, to be of real value, must have spiritual relevance to the inner religious experience of the reader or hearer. This third stage may be understood as interpretation of the Bible through the Light Within.

The importance of this to Friends is illustrated by Catherine Phillips in her account of a sermon which she heard on shipboard while on her way to America in 1753:

The parson, observing that in our ministry we spoke extempore, told me that he could preach extempore and we should hear him if we pleased the next Sunday. Accordingly, when the day came we were all seated in the great cabin and he preached without notes. His subject was the transfiguration of Christ which he found a wonder (miracle), expatiated upon it as a wonder—and left it a wonder; without entering into the spirituality of the text; indeed I doubt he did not understand it.

— Howard H. Brinton, 1952

Added 10th Month 3, 1998

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