One of my great joys of each week is the opportunity you give me to answer your questions. Some of the questions are familiar, but others make me think a little harder.
This week I thought I might share with you some of the ways I go about trying to prepare answers to these questions.
For many of the answers, I draw down upon my previous training and theological reflection from over the years, sharing with you some of the insights that I received from older and wiser mentors and theologians.
Many of your questions based on the current sermon series allow me to inform you of some of the things I’d really wanted to include in the Bible talk, but didn’t have time to discuss.
But then there are the other questions that are really tricky.
My (not-very) secret tool is one that nearly all of you also share direct access to: Google.
When you ask me a tough question, then I’ll often put some key words into my search engine, and see what hits come up.
Then, depending on which websites seem to offer a solution, I’ll then click through and have a read of what has been suggested as the answer.
The risk in doing this is that the democratisation of the Internet enables people with all sorts of perspectives to come across with the perception of authority.
And even those whom I trust might still have a perspective on things that I don’t share.
But as I read their answers, I take the time to consider their arguments, and evaluate their conclusions.
As you look to find answers to your tricky questions, here are a bunch of handy websites that are usually pretty helpful, but as with everything, need to be carefully tested:
hermeneutics.stackexchange.com
If in doubt, ask a trusted Christian what they think… and remember, you’ve always got the option to ask a question in church and hear my attempt to provide an answer… drawing down upon my research in all sorts of places!
JODIE McNEILL