By Deb Smith

The “Basic Christian Affirmations” in The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church state, “We share with many Christian communions a recognition of the authority of Scripture in matters of faith” (¶ 101). That sounds great, but what does it mean in my life and in my teaching?

First, it is important to recognize that the Bible is a book of faith. It is not a science book, nor a poetry book, nor a history book. It is the faithful witness of how people throughout the ages have known God and related to one another as children of God. As such it provides guidance for how I am called to live in relationship with God and all that God has created.

There are numerous ways to view the Bible (our doctrine of Scripture). We don’t think of this view as doctrine; we probably don’t think about it at all. It’s just the way it is. When other views conflict with our own, we are confused and often irritated. For example, is the Bible

• the complete, unerring word of God, perfect and infallible in every way?
• a living book through which God is revealed anew as persons of faith interpret the text in their own time and context?
• an accurate historical record of the mighty acts of God as real biblical people have remembered them?
• a story about God’s salvation of a sinful people, culminating in the ultimate saving act of Jesus Christ?
• a dusty, ancient, irrelevant book that works for shepherds and nomads, but not for sophisticated 21st century thinkers?

We will find many, many answers to that question, and our task as Christians is to sift through the conflicting notions, speak respectfully to one another, and together discern humbly before God how God is revealed in our sacred writ. I believe that the core witness of the Scriptures is that we are to love God and love neighbor. Therefore for Scripture to be authoritative, I must place my thoughts and actions under the light of this witness. As a children’s Sunday school teacher, I believe that I “recognize the authority of Scripture in matters of faith” when I

• encourage the children to pray for others;
• provide opportunities for children to learn about neighbors who live on the other side of the world;
• make sure I am present to welcome each child as he or she arrives;
• listen deeply to the joys and concerns of the children and help them listen to one another.

Think about or discuss with others these questions:

• How is Scripture authoritative for your life?
• What are the particular Scripture passages that most clearly express that authority?
• What do you do as a teacher or leader because you recognize the authority of Scripture in matters of faith?
• What beliefs or actions do you need to reexamine in light of the Scripture?

Deb Smith is Director of Middle Adult and High Potential Metro Church Ministries at GBOD.

What Every Teacher Needs to Know About the Bible (Discipleship Resources)

The New Oxford Annotated Bible: New Revised Standard Version (Oxford University Press)

The NRSV Children’s Bible (Abingdon Press)