In my role as Professor at Kuyper College, I am deeply committed to equipping Christians to better understand and interpret Scripture. Currently, one topic of discussion in the denomination I'm a part of (the Reformed Church in America) is how the Bible views same-sex marriage. At the request of several people within the RCA, I've created a series of videos and discussion questions that can be used for individuals, churches, consistories, or anyone else who wants to dig deeper and know more about how to interpret the Bible and the differing views on this topic. You can view the videos through this page or you can click on them and download them to watch at your convenience. If you would like the download the entire PowerPoint as a separate document, click here.
Part 1: Interpreting the Bible
These first four videos help to set the stage for deeper discussions by highlighting key points of biblical interpretation that we need to keep in mind and that help to frame our conversations around any issue where there may be points of disagreement.
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Discussion Questions for 1 - Biblical Interpretation Basics
1. Do you agree that we are all interpreters of Scripture? Why or why not? 2. Can you think of a time where you understood the Bible in a new or deeper way? Where your interpretation was deepened? Briefly explain how you came to have that deeper understanding. What changed? |
Discussion Questions for 2 - Context and Biblical Interpretation
1. What could happen if someone does not pay attention to the context of a particular verse of the Bible? Can you think of any examples of how the Bible could be abused this way? 2. What are some ways in which our own experience and culture shapes our interpretation of Scripture? What's an example of this? |
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Discussion Questions for 3 - The Goal of Biblical Interpretation
1. How does the analogy of interpretation as a game or as an apprenticeship shed new light on the process of biblical interpretation for you? 2. Why is it hard to love those with whom we have disagreements over Scripture? |
Discussion Questions for 4 - A Test Case - Polygamy
1. Why shouldn't we practice polygamy, based on Scripture? What reason(s) would you give? 2. What does that reason teach you about how you interpret Scripture? Does it reveal any 'rules' to the game that you perhaps were not even aware of? |
Part 2: The Affirming View
In these four videos, I discuss some of the main reasons given by Christians for affirming loving, committed same-sex relationships. Whether you agree with that position or not, it is helpful to understand the rationale for such a view.
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Discussion Questions for 5 - Affirming View - Purpose
1. Think of an example of a biblical command that we don't observe anymore. Why was this commanded to the first hearers/readers of the Bible? Why don't we do this anymore? 2. Think about the biblical command to "greet one another with a holy kiss" (Rom. 16:16). If we don't do this today, are we being unbiblical? Why or why not? |
Discussion Questions for 6 - Affirming View - Greek words
1. Is it annoying or frustrating when people appeal to the original language of the Bible (Hebrew or Greek)? Why or why not? 2. Why might it be important to go back to the original language and context on a variety of issues (not just this one)? |
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Discussion Questions for 7 - Affirming View - Cultural Limitations
1. The Bible is written by human authors from within specific cultures. Does acknowledging that make you uncomfortable or not? Why or why not? 2. The Bible is inspired by the Holy Spirit, who speaks into all cultures. How does that affect our understanding and interpretation of what human authors of Scripture say? |
Discussion Questions for 8 - Affirming View - Theological Themes
1. What are some key theological themes that affect our view of the Bible and human sexuality? 2. After hearing some of the reasons for the affirming view, which strikes you as the strongest? As the weakest? |
Part 3: The Historic View
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Discussion Questions for 9 - Historic View - Biblical Texts
1. Are there other biblical texts not mentioned in the video that you think speak to this issue? If so, what are they? 2. Do you agree with the connection laid out between Leviticus 18 as the baseline for biblical sexual ethics and the New Testament? Why or why not? Discussion Questions for 11 - Historic View - Reasons Why
1. After hearing the reasons for the historic view, which strikes you as the strongest? The weakest? Why? 2. Do you think both viewpoints have been fairly represented in these videos? If not, what do you think needs to be added or revised? |
Discussion Question for 10 - Historic View - Underlying Principles
1. The video discusses animal sacrifice and how that can be an example where the principle of "canonical consistency" helps us. Can you think of other topics or issues where we need to be sure we are paying attention to ALL of Scripture? Discussion Questions for 12 - Consistency and Coherence
1. Which question for those who hold the historic view stands out to you? Why? 2. Which question for those who hold the affirming view stands out to you? Why? |