There are two typical reactions to this situation: 1) to reassert the Bible's loyalty to the preferences of the powerful, or 2) to relegate it to a work of mere literature where any ongoing relevance is merely incidental. The greatest angel can become twisted into a demon, so likewise divinely-infused words can be warped into destroying rather than building up. What can be done?
Thousands of churches across generations have worked to reclaim certain liberating themes from the Bible. They reflect its enduring power. Yet in spite of this, for various socio-political reasons, many Americans remain unfamiliar with this tradition. We at PCU hope to do our own small part to remedy this lack.
In a little over a week, the Justice Not Jails project is putting on a workshop called "Freedom Songs: Reading the Bible with and for the Oppressed." It is intended to draw out some of the connections between the biblical call for justice, the inspiration to confront oppressive powers, and the ongoing system of racialized mass incarceration.
For some of us, this might seem like a review, but for others, it may be a first time exposure. The gospel can sound old-hat when you've grown up with it. But it's still good news, especially for the devalued and dehumanized of our world! I hope you will attend, invite a friend, and be renewed and transformed for the work we are called to do. You often hear that the Bible brings salvation, but let's flip the script and save the Bible so that it can once again be good news for an oppressed world!
Bible-loving and proud,
Timothy Murphy
Executive Director
P.S. ~ The cost is $10 for a boxed lunch but free for formerly incarcerated persons. Register today!