“But there is no perfect guide for discerning God's movement in the world, Contrary to what many conservatives say, the Bible is not a blueprint on this matter. It is a valuable symbol for point to God's revelation in Jesus, but it is not self-interpreting. We are thus place in an existential situation of freedom in which the burden is on us to make decisions without a guaranteed ethical guide.”
Quote Analysis
In this quote by James H. Cone, he challenges the idea that the Bible serves as a perfect guide for discerning God's movement in the world. Instead, Cone argues that the Bible is a valuable symbol that points to God's revelation in Jesus, but it is not a definitive blueprint for ethical decision-making. Cone asserts that individuals are ultimately responsible for making ethical decisions without a guaranteed guide.
Cone's statement underscores the idea that individuals must grapple with the complexities of ethical decision-making on their own, without relying solely on external sources like the Bible. This perspective emphasizes personal agency and the inherent freedom and responsibility that come with making moral choices. It suggests that ethical decision-making is a dynamic process that involves critical thought, self-reflection, and engagement with one's values and beliefs. Ultimately, Cone's words encourage individuals to take ownership of their ethical decisions and to embrace the uncertainty and responsibility that comes with this process.
The Challenge of Discerning God's Movement
James H. Cone's assertion that there is no perfect guide for discerning God's movement in the world raises questions about the role of scripture, particularly the Bible, in ethical decision-making. This challenges the idea that the Bible provides a clear blueprint for moral guidance, placing the responsibility on individuals to navigate their own ethical choices. Cone emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of scripture as a symbol pointing towards God's revelation in Jesus, rather than a definitive rulebook for all situations. This existential stance of freedom highlights the complexity of ethical decision-making and calls for a deeper engagement with the human experience of discernment.
Reflection on God's Movement and Ethics
James H. Cone argues that there is no perfect guide for discerning God's movement in the world, and that the burden of ethical decision-making falls on individuals. He challenges the notion that the Bible serves as a blueprint for ethical decision-making, emphasizing the need for individuals to interpret and apply its teachings in their own unique contexts.
Reflection Questions:
In this quote by James H. Cone, he challenges the idea that the Bible serves as a perfect guide for discerning God's movement in the world. Instead, he highlights the importance of our own freedom and responsibility in making ethical decisions. To further reflect on this concept, consider the following questions:
- How do you interpret the role of the Bible in guiding ethical decision-making?
- What experiences have shaped your understanding of God's movement in the world?
- How do you navigate the tension between freedom and the need for ethical guidance in decision-making?
- In what ways do you seek to discern God's will in your own life and in the world around you?
- How do you handle the uncertainty and ambiguity that comes with making ethical decisions without a guaranteed guide?
Similar quotes
“[The Bible] has to be interpreted. And if it isn’t interpreted, then it can’t be put into action. So if we are serious about following God, then we have to interpret the Bible. It is not possible to simply do what the Bible says. We must first make decisions about what it means at this time, in this place, for these people.”
“Some of us find our way with a single light to guide us; others lose themselves even when the star field is as sharp as a neon ceiling. Ethics may not be situational, but feelings are. We learn to adjust, and, over time, the stars we use to guide ourselves come to reside within rather than without.”
“Due to their deep conviction of the sovereignty of God, the Word of God was taken very seriously by Calvinists. It became the unconditional norm for faith and life to the believer. The Divine injunction not to add or take away has been scrupulously observed by Calvinism. Thus, a Calvinistic ethic was developed with its high theism. Because God was held to be the absolute sovereign for man's life, it became simply a question of determining the will of God from His Word. Calvinistic ethics is not a system of opinion, but an attempt to make the will of God as revealed in the Bible the authoritative guide for social as well as personal direction.”
“No matter how many precautions we take, none of us are truly in control. Only God can claim that kind of authority. All we can do is use the good sense he provides and trust him to guide us.”
“Thus in this oneness Jesus Christ is the Mediator, the Reconciler, between God and man. Thus He comes forward to MAN on behalf of GOD calling for and awakening faith, love and hope, and to GOD on behalf of MAN, representing man, making satisfaction and interceding. Thus He attests and guarantees to God's free GRACE and at the same time attests and guarantees to God man's free GRATITUDE.”