Why Liberals Should Read the Bible By John A. Buehrens

When I was in college, many of the most interesting friends I made had been raised in progressive homes that had far more books on the shelves than the home in which I had been raised. They were morally engaged in the issues of the time. But they were biblically and religiously ignorant. Because I was majoring in Renaissance and Reformation studies and had at least some religious literacy, they often turned to me to explain the biblical and religious references in paintings, poems, and other texts--even in jokes!

Like the one about Dorothy Parker arriving at a New York apartment for a swank party, clad in her little basic black dress with pearls. A young actress, dressed to the nines, arrived at the door at the same moment. There was a certain jockeying for precedence. Finally the young actress stepped back, saying, "Well, age before beauty, I suppose!" Going ahead, Dorothy Parker reportedly quipped, "No, my dear: pearls before swine!" Writer and raconteur Isaac Asimov once sadly reported that he had decided to stop telling that joke, because fewer and fewer people seemed to get the biblical reference anymore!

Even among erstwhile, cultured despisers of the Bible, however, the tide may be turning. There is a growing yearning for an understanding of the biblical heritage that is intellectually respectable, justice-oriented, and spiritually enriching. I can testify to that.

When I was serving a liberal, activist congregation in the very secular city of New York during the late 1980s I gave a series of lectures. It was striking to me how many people of great sophistication were drawn to those lectures. When they were over, a group of women writers and educators surprised me even more by coming to me, asking if I would meet with them for a closer study of selected portions of the Bible, every week. I was both stunned and gratified.

At first these women claimed their motivations were related to their craft as writers and people of culture. They knew that no one can claim to be culturally literate without an understanding of the Bible, since it has influenced, directly or indirectly, nearly all of Western literature and art. Not only is it obvious that one can't fully understand Renaissance art, Bach, Shakespeare, Milton, T. S. Eliot, or even Emily Dickinson, without understanding the "coded" biblical references and their interpretations.

Even many modern writers and artists in rebelliion against the standard interpretations of the Bible and its authority can only be understood against the backdrop of what they reject. Biblical themes are also a source of continuing inspiration and creativity for novelists, poets, and artists. Not to mention for ordinary people struggling for justice and seeking an authentic and deeper wisdom, maturity, and spirituality. And as our group study of the Bible went along, that became a third important motivation.

The first motivation could be called political: If you can't or won't understand the Bible, others surely will interpret it for you. The second could be called cultural or literary: Within this culture you can't be fully literate or creative, artistically or rhetorically, without an acquaintance with the Bible.
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People should read the teachings of all religions, whether they do is another story.

I agree. Maybe someday they will add culture classes in schools where kids can at least get the basics. It would perhaps help get rid of racsim too once they understood more that people reflect their cultural backgrounds in some of their behavior and it does not come from their skin color or hair texture.

I don't give exams; my students compile portfolios. In the majority of my courses, their portfolios include essays on Social Class, a Cultural Autobiography, and Top 10 Stereotypes (nationality, religious, sexuality/lifestyle, et cetera).

As for the Bible... it's as much "lost" to students as is most of the literary canon. Try teaching Romanticism to Modernism (or using an episode of the Simpsons or X-Files) to students who have no grasp of the Bible or the Classics.

- Michael, and his 2 cents.

Well not a bad idea....but I would rather read what others have to say about thier teachings rather than stick my nose into a ie bible...the bible is something I dont follow but I am keen on other peoples views on it

I agree. Thats what I am currently starting to do. Of course its "lame and stupid" to my friend..but meh. I quite enjoy it.

yes, it would be good for people to study all the various mythologies.

The only way to combat ignorance is through knowledge.

I think, if you are going to seriously read the Bible and ponder it, you need to read the WHOLE bible, all 1500+ pages. Many people seem to focus on select parts of the New Testament and Old Testament.

The Author is making an assumption that all liberals are non-Christians. When you think about liberal and conservative politics which more closely follow the so called Christian value.

Liberals: Feed the poor, Medical help for the sick, house the homeless, protect the environment, educate children.

Conservatives: Lower taxes for the rich, fight wars, protect big business from environmental laws, cut spending on the poor, tax the poor with fees, and cut spending for schools.

I think Mr. John A. Buehrens is the one who is clueless.

I am a Liberal and I have read the Bible. I think I will pass on reading it again. My neightbor across the street is a Liberal and is a Christian. She thinks the conservative Christian right needs to follow the Bible, not just read it.

I'll stand by you on that one Darkwind. Liberals are are the doers, the conservatives are the sayers!!!

Insightful observation, Darkwind, Mr. Buehrens chose a poor POV to make his assertions. However, he did find the correct context for his argument--that being literary and academic. It's truly appalling that the overwhelming majority entering higher education have a tremendous lack of literary background.

I agree there is a lack of literary background in education in todays world, but it is across the board. Liberals and conservatives are equally guilty. I bet Bush has never read the Greek classics and has no clue who Aristotle is. Blame it on the conservative educational system.