Word of God in scripture

ease with which some Protestant clergy reinterpret or dismiss them

(April 5).

The problem has a simple source: honest study over two centuries has

shown those who devote their professional lives to biblical studies that

while God can always do what he wishes it does not follow that he has

done things in the way scriptures, written by human beings, state them.

(Inspiration requires careful definition; that is why it is safer to

speak of the Word of God ''as contained'' in scripture.)

Christian education outside the pulpit (as opposed to the most recent

specialist RE in schools) has always been part-time and often

unprofessional from the Sunday school upwards. Many ministers, out of

Christian love, have misguidedly feared to shock church members by

disclosing what they themselves have learned in divinity colleges, or

have failed to face up to the challenge of unavoidable uncertainties.

What passes for faith is often a fearful defence of untested dogmas

acquired uncritically in childhood.

No-one in his or her senses would challenge the supreme

singlemindedness of Jesus in promoting his message to the extent of

crucifixion. His impact on his followers made them able to communicate

what ultimately became the Gospels. Its core is loving concern, with

justice, judgment, repentance, and forgiveness as its corollaries -- and

who upon reflection will deny that these are from God?

Credal dogmas are excrescences from first-century devotional

affirmations. At this date in history it is impossible to pronounce on

the factual basis for some such dogmas. It is more important to defeat

the undermining of moral standards from within church committees.

Let us focus on awareness of our own imperfections and on restraining

and correcting them. Let us impart not only love and respect for wives

(or ''partners'' or whoever) but an understanding that what is done by

us and them affects others too. All society is our ''neighbour''.

Rev. James C. G. Greig,

St John's Croft,

Sorbie.