When the Word’s Not Wholly Holy

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”
—Hebrews 4: 12-13

Recently, I listened to a friend (a self-proclaimed “progressive believer”) who told me that …basically…the Bible is not really something that the Christian can stake his life on today. After all, he surmised, the Bible was written so long ago….and, well, ya know, like, …”things have changed”. He reminded me that what was considered “holy” and “true” when the scriptures were originally penned is certainly not what is considered holy and true today. He was quick to add that “science” has proven that miracles don’t really happen, and besides, everybody knows that God doesn’t “speak” (…. etc., etc., etc…..)

The proud, doubt-filled Septic Skeptic, knee deep in sophisticated, postmodern, bog of muddied water.

The conversation made me realize that if those gathered in the Upper Room at Pentecost had received today’s brand of.....(ahem)… “progressive faith”, the Good News would never have made it down the stairs and into the streets of Jerusalem.

Much less around the world.

When the Word’s Not Wholly Holy
(There’s Not Much We Can’t Dismiss)

We're not sure the Word is "Holy",
So, we're filling in the blanks!
We’re not sure God really “spoke”, son,
And for that we give Him thanks!

This releases us from thinking
That the text is from the LORD,
Now the edges have been blunted
On that double-edged Sword.

On a scale of one to seven,
We think maybe it’s a three…
Or it could be even lower,
Who’s to say?....Or disagree?

If the word’s not wholly Holy,
How then do we exegete?
Don’t be silly!...We just FEEL it!
Then we add or we delete.

Or, we might just re-imagine,
And/or freely paraphrase…
We might deconstruct tradition
And then join the latest craze!

We might blend old Gnostic notions,
Syncretize,… then speculate!
Yes, eviscerate the gospels
Just to bring ‘em up to date.

We may change that dot or tittle…
Or a chapter,….. or a Book!
When the word’s not wholly holy,
You’re the Boss by hook or crook.

We may borrow now from karma,
As we follow our own Bliss...
When the word’s not wholly holy,
There’s not much we can’t dismiss.

When the word’s not wholly Holy,
Faith will soon be put to rest.
Doubt replaces firm assurance…
“Truth” is anybody’s guess.

When the word’s not wholly Holy,
We can shop around and glean…
We might redefine what “faith” is:
What we know now must be seen.

We may alter all the gospels
So they meet the world’s demands.
Then just vote on what’s left over,
And the rest?...We simply ban.

Flexibility is key here…
Always keep an open mind!
When the Word’s not wholly Holy,
It can ALL be redefined!

We may now affirm "whatever",
Nothing's ever REALLY "wrong"!
When the Word's not wholly "holy",
Then the world can come on strong!

Look, it’s really fundamental…,
Trust Thy Subjectivity!
New progressive revelation
Has the stuff to set us free!

Lord, forgive us for this notion
That your Word’s somehow impure…
Wash us clean with Living Water,
So our calling may be sure.

Give us eyes to see more clearly,
Lord, remove this doubtful dross.
Take your Bride to Mt. Moriah…
To the foot of Calv’ry’s Cross.

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.”
—Ephesians 5: 25-27