Dr. Adam (aka AKMA) has posted some of the material he presented at a clergy day. The first part* is an excellent overview of the problems of interpretation in an ecclesial context and maps some of the very real issues at work in our Anglican debate. What he leads to without saying in so many words is a spirit of generosity and hospitality when it comes to other peoples’ readings of Scripture. I think he has absolutely hit the nail on the head.

The perennial Christian problem, though, is courage. How do we maintain the courage and conviction to be open-minded, hospitible and generous even when we suspect heartily that our readings and sometimes our very person will be met with close-mindedness or even hatred? As I see it, this perspective reopens the age-old debate about Christian attitudes to abuse. What is the texture of the specturm from being abusive in turn (which clearly is bad) to playing the role of the Christian door-mat (which is equally bad). I’ve always envisioned that there is a place somewhere on that spectrum where vulnerability and openness pass through the paradox of the cross that transforms weakness into strength where the very meekness and innocence of the lamb standing as if it had been slain is transformed into the eschatological power of the conquering lion of the tribe of Judah (cf. Rev 5:5-6). Of course, finding that place can be a real trick…

The Menologium is translated; I hope to post it later tonight.

*I’m attempting a trackback…we’ll see if it works. [Update: Didn’t work…hmmm.]