IN PRACTICE, how important is it to study and think about the Bible? In the Church of England, the standing committee of the House of Bishops recently seemed to indicate that it gives scripture a lower priority than is to be expected from bishops.
Last year, I suggested that on four Sundays in a year, the congregations in a deanery should be urged to come together, whatever their church tradition (Comment, 28 NoÂvemÂber). They should share a euÂcharist, and listen to 20 minutes about the Bible, followed by an hour’s discussion of what it means now.
I argued that a brief homily during the parish communion is not enough. Nor is the extensive use of the scriptures offered in Common Worship to those uncommonly deÂvout. Nor is a more substantial sermon if it is accompanied by strong music, but not by a free disÂcussion. In adult education outside TV, it is now taken for granted that people must digest the material by asking questions and hearing other people’s reactions.