How Progressive Christians Think About the Bible

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Since my theology took a left turn, I've been mulling on the question of the Bible. What is it for? What authority does it hold in my life? Do I still think it's "inspired" by God? Is it inerrant, and if not, is it authoritative in any way over my thinking and living? Should I still read it? Obey it? What do I make of this ancient book now that I'm no longer an "evangelical"?

My hunch is that I'm not the only progressive Christian who is now reimagining how I interact with the Bible. So, I'd love to hear your thoughts about the Bible, too.

This poll is informal research about how progressive Christians view the Bible now, and I hope to write about the answers I receive.

I'm grateful for each one of you that is taking time to think through the question with me today. I hope it's a healing practice for you.

Sincerely,

Liz Charlotte Grant

Contact me with questions at LizCharlotteGrant@gmail.com.

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Yes you may quote my answers, but I request anonymity.

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Would you consider yourself an "Evangelical" christian? Why or why not?

Do you read the Bible on your own?

Daily

Weekly

I hear the Bible read/expounded at church, in books about the Bible or in podcasts that discuss biblical ideas. But I never pick up the Bible to read on my own.

I never hear or read the Bible, not even in communal contexts.

I no longer own a Bible.

I own a Bible.

Do you like to read the Bible? Why or why not?

If you read and engage the Bible less than you used to, did you ever read the Bible regularly? When? Why did you read it more often back then?

How do you believe God is related to the Bible?

What role does the Bible play in your Christian faith practice today?

Check the box if you agree:

Do you believe that the Bible...

is inerrant?

is inspired by God?

contains God's words?

is the work of human beings more than God?

speaks to our daily twenty-first century lives and context?

can help you make decisions?

contains universal wisdom?

is a good story, but is likely more fable than fact?

is too ancient to be relevant?

represents God's character and being accurately?

represents ancient humanity accurately?

is a way that God continues to speak into our world?

is an account of interactions with God?

can be trusted?

contains errors of science?

contains inaccurate history?

cannot be trusted?

contains multiple genres of literature?

was written by single authors?

was written by multiple authors and editors?

is more harmful than good?

is more good than harmful?

should be disposed of?

should be studied more deeply?

can be understood?

is confusing?

can be read "plainly" by anyone who cracks open the pages?

is coherent in how it represents God?

is disorganized and disagrees with itself about God?

Other:

Please expound upon any of your beliefs about the Bible above.

Did you used to believe differently about the Bible than you do now? Why did your past beliefs shift?

If you changed your mind about any of your former beliefs about the Bible, what personal events in your life or general shifts in your thinking/theology have initiated or affirmed that change?

Despite any faith shifts you've endured, do any Bible stories, characters, books, or passages remain meaningful to you? Which ones and why?

Due to shifting faith, which Bible stories, characters, books, or passages have you rejected? Why?

What else would you like to tell me about how you relate to the Bible now versus how you used to relate to the Bible?

Would you like to be interviewed further about your thoughts on the Bible? If yes, please write your email address and full name below and I'll be in touch, as I'm able.

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