The Bible shows us the essential content of the Christian faith and the basic shape for Christian life. At the same time, individual Bible passages do not have authority for our faith and life in isolation from other passages. We are called to read a text in the light of its larger content.

Each Christian is called not only to read the Bible but also to study it. In this task, God calls us to be fully engaged, with all of our minds as well as all of our hearts and souls. In our reading we are called both to be open and to question. The Bible is better prepared to handle the tough questions than many of its readers. To engage in genuine conversation with the Bible is one key way the Holy Spirit can work thorugh us to open our eyes to the truth about God and God's world. And through such a journey the Bible's treasures will become more apparent.

                                                                                             - Terence E. Fretheim, author