How the Bible is authoritative for daily life Mrs. Thatcher was invited to speak to the Scottish Church in 1988 in what became mockingly known as “The Sermon on the Mound”. It was – incredibly enough for a public politician - a devout statement of Christian belief. She selected bible texts to illustrate some of her most cherished principles of social, economic and political life. Read the extracts from her speech, and identify her use of bible texts (what she quotes, for what point)

In what ways was she reading the Bible? Identify from the following. How do you think ordinary Christians read the bible today (and wouldn’t)? Do you have any parts you consider “inspiring” for you? Instruction manual – picking out and following only clear rules and teachings that you do find. Stories etc of dubious value. Socially important – use the laws and teachings of the bible to construct society, eg to legitimise forms of authority, forms of ownership, social duties, ideas of personal responsibility. Selective – find and keep those parts you find helpful/ inspiring. Consider the rest to be outdated. Fundamentalist – consider all the bible to be objectively the word of God as it stands. Absolute interpretations, no negotiation about non-literal meanings. Reject modern scientific world, as bible is textbook of all knowledge. Historical text – interesting ancient document that help us to understand the circumstances in which God revealed himself. Descriptions of an ancient society. Reader-Response –reflect on how the text itself affects us, today. Too easy to “read in” our own points of view and ideologies into it? Is there any correct “reading” of it?

The Bible as authoritative for daily life What does it mean to say that the Bible has “authority”? How does it get this authority? The Bible as authoritative for daily life as a source of moral advice(Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Luke 6:36-37); as a guide to living (Psalm 119:9-16; Psalm 119:105-112); as teaching on the meaning and purpose of life (Genesis 1:26-28; Ecclesiastes 9:5-9); and as a source of comfort and encouragement (Psalm 46:1-3; Matthew 6:25). Divinely inspired in its origin “divine authority” God’s spirit inspires the writers of the Bible The Church declares certain texts to be “authoritative” – it recognises by the Spirit certain texts as coming from God – and canonises them as “scripture” Canonised as “authoritative” by the Church God’s spirit inspires the readers as they read & interact with the Bible text Effective in the lives of believers “authoritative”

The Psalms as a Guide to Living Each person has one Psalm extract /4 Each one is followed by a commentary Answer What the Psalm is about, in general How is it useful for a Christian – what does it teach them? Is it functioning as a good guide for living (or not really useful/ clear?) Swap Psalms so you have analysed at least 3 Compare answers To what extent are the Psalms an effective guide for living for Christian?

To what extent are the Psalms an effective guide for living? Analyse & discuss the 3 psalms in the spec. Evaluate how clear they are as a guide/ usefulness You could include discussion of another Psalm, to give a fuller discussion/ in conclusion eg Ps.23 “The Lord is my shepherd..” (often said at funerals) Or Ps.139 “O Lord you search me and you know me..” (reassurance that God knows your life in every moment and has plans for) Or Ps.50 “Have mercy on me O God” (grief for sin & repentance)

Other Bible Texts for authoritative for Daily Life General points: Jesus’ teachings, the 10 C’s More specific texts – in the spec. Genesis Ecclesiastes x2 – wisdom tradition Matthew 26 Luke 6 Read the texts + commentary Summarise on the table what each text could teach you about living How is the Bible authoritative in the daily life of Christians? The exam board expects you to discuss the set texts as part of your answer.

Essay “The Bible is mostly stories and ancient Jewish sayings. It is not a useful guide to Christian living”. Discuss. “The Psalms are not useful as a guide for a modern Christian.” Discuss.