May 2026: Windows

As we’ve started into new Bible studies at both congregations, I’ve found myself wanting to revisit a concept regarding Scripture that did not originate with me, but I find very helpful when I want to think about Scripture, truth, and literal meaning. It’s the window into Scripture. How you read and understand Scripture often shapes how you live out what you’ve read.

The spectrum of Scripture tends to be a literal understanding or a more allegorical understanding where symbolism and meaning have greater value than historical proof or factual information. I won’t say either is a better way to understand Scripture and if you go all the way to either extreme, there are complications. For instance, with a more literal understanding, you start with there being two different accounts of creation in Genesis 1-3. Scripture even says it is another account of creation and the two don’t quite match. Truth is evident, but factual information may be lacking. If you go entirely allegorical, then what happens to the meaning behind Christ’s birth, life, death, and resurrection. Neither is perfect and most people are somewhere away from the edges.

Enter in the idea of the window: when we read the Scriptures, we get a glimpse into a different time and place, like looking through a window. There is additional meaning in the context of when it was written, who wrote it, why it was written, or an action taken in the verses that had greater significance to the people who first read it. Context does matter and helps us better understand what is happening in those verses. But much like a window in the dark, Scripture also acts as a mirror that reflects back to us. The history, the context, the very literal interpretations are still there, but we are often formed in our faith by the reflection we see that impacts us here and now.

Have you ever pondered this one before? Are you on one of the extremes? May God bless your reading and understanding either way.