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Scripture is not history or science. Scripture is a hall of mirrors revealing angles of perception on the human condition impossible to amass in one lifetime. It is a mixture of terrible distortions, and astounding insights. Scripture is a ten thousand year old diary of the good, bad and ugly of a people. Scripture helps us know the stories we have been born into, for better and for worse. If scripture is read with fear, we will see threats all around us. If scripture is read with anger we will find scapegoats for our every misery. If scripture is read gullibly, we will see proof of our culture's worst lies. If scripture is read literally, we will find an inescapable maze of illusion. If scripture is read with curiosity, we will find amazing insights. If scripture is read with humor, we will laugh out loud. If scripture is read in community, we will find a vocabulary for sharing life's journey, If scripture is read with love, we will find illumination.

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This was written by The Rev. Jim Rigby, a Presbyterian Minister in Austin, Texas.