Bearing Faithful Witness

We each glimpse part of the truth, and on our way we continue to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we search the Scriptures, respect our differences, learn from each other's insights and together continue to serve the world for which Christ died.

Understanding Scripture equips us to bear faithful witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. These pages explore the diversity of understanding that form our heritage.

It is important that we be careful, intentional, non-stereotypical, and respectful in our use of language.

Texts need to be interpreted in ways that bring the Good News of a faithful and persistent God at work in Jesus of Nazareth who we proclaim as Christ to a world needing good news - not hateful, hurtful, spiteful, vengeful news.

The Christian faith is a historical faith which emerged from an historical person: Jesus of Nazareth.

origins of Scripture

thinking about salvation

thinking about women

overcoming anti semitism

Matthew stresses the importance of forgiveness, of living by an honourable code, and of love even for the enemy.

Paul’s Letters and Scripture

revisiting the woman taken in adultery

words make barriers

Understanding Scripture is a crucial matter for the Uniting Church in Australia. A Task Group on Understanding and Using the Bible (Ass.Min. 97.31.14) is currently preparing a report for Assembly. There is a plea from the Multicultural Committee of the Synod of Victoria that wider than Western Christianity Biblical perspectives should be considered in addressing this issue in the Church. The Assembly standing Committee has encouraged this Task Group to:

• identify the wide range of approaches to the Bible and emphasise the importance of respecting differences of approach both to the Bible and to theological issues generally;
• highlight the ways in which various ethnic and cultural contexts shape understandings of the Bible, with particular reference to the Asian, Pacific and indigenous contexts;
• encourage spiritual and scholarly study of the Bible (cf. Basis of Union, paragraphs 5 and 11), and to make clear the range of questions with which people legitimately approach the Bible in seeking to hear the gospel and know the mind of God;
• consult with the Task Group on the Teaching Ministry and Mission of the Church in order to bring recommendations to the Assembly Standing Committee about implementing in congregations the results of their work;

kallos beach . . . uniting sexuality and faith