My Process
As you read through the stories on this site, you may notice that some passages of Scripture are addressed more than once in different ways and from different perspectives. That does not mean that one of those tellings is right and the others wrong; it is simply a sign that the biblical text is often ambiguous and allows for many different interpretations. None of my imaginative retellings is the only right way to understand a passage. God’s Word is expansive and contains many stories, experiences, and voices.
What is the Bible?
When approaching the Bible to retell its stories, it is important to know what the Bible is to you. The Bible is a mysterious and complicated document with a long and complex history. I believe that God’s truth is breathed into this text, even as humanity has left its fingerprints on it over time. The Bible is a sacred document that continues to have meaning for our lives today, and as such, it must be taken seriously and read responsibly. Part of a responsible reading process is to pay attention to all parts of the Bible, not only the stories that get the most attention in church. It is also important to keep an open mind and read each story from multiple perspectives and to be aware of the biases you bring to the text as a reader. On this site, I try to give air time to stories that often don’t get it, and to give voice to those characters in the Bible and throughout history who have often been silenced.
What if I don’t believe in the Bible?
Lots of people have different beliefs than I do regarding the Bible. To be honest, my beliefs shift from day to day. Regardless of whether you think the Bible is the Living Word of God, an ancient political document, or an important literary work, you have something to gain from reading the text in its entirety and learning from various perspectives. Hopefully, this site can provide you with some ideas and inspire you to read the Bible through your own particular lens.
Why does this matter?
The Bible is a widely read, deeply cherished, and frequently abused book. God’s declaration of love and imperative of justice have been used too often to silence and oppress and hate. If we are to claim to believe in and honor the Bible, we must pay heed to all of it rather than selecting the texts that can be used to promote our own self-interest. Likewise, we must read each passage in its fullness, rather than reducing its meaning to benefit a specific, narrow group of people. To neglect God’s Word is to neglect God’s people. So, we must approach the Bible intentionally, expansively, imaginatively, and inclusively.
Neglected Word 