by The Reverend David E. Buck, M.DIV
Church of the Nativity, Raleigh
Power Dynamics, the theme of this issue of Voices in Dialogue, complicate religious life, it must seem obvious to anyone these days. Religious groups seek to impose their power or dogma on others, tragically enough. And within religious communities themselves, individuals jostle for power and prestige, just like everywhere else. I should know. I am an Episcopal priest, serving as Associate Rector in this North Carolina parish.
Let me share in these paragraphs, though, how the spirit of Dialogue Education, the writings of Dr. Jane Vella, and what we call Lectio Divina have shifted power dynamics in this parish, delightfully and effectively.
Lectio Divina, the Latin term for “divine reading,” developed centuries ago in European monasteries as a way of reading Scripture meditatively and in an egalitarian manner. It’s a long story, but Native American Episcopalians, at least in the USA, have reintroduced this meditative approach to reading Scripture. No, it’s not “Dialogue Education” exactly, but the same principles apply. Let me explain…
In our parish, we try not to have “experts” teach the Bible in a traditional fashion. Rather, as we gather, someone reads out loud the text selected for that day, and of course, it doesn’t need to be the Bible, either. The facilitator asks, “What catches your attention, positively or negatively, in this reading?” Each person feels free to share exactly that or not to respond at all. Then someone reads the passage of Scripture again. The facilitator asks, “How does this text help or challenge you in your faith development, if at all?” Again, all feel free to share exactly what they gain or don’t gain from the text, learn or don’t like. Then we read the passage a final time, followed by silent meditation and reflection.
No one wields power… or rather all do! No one functions as religious expert… or rather all do! When we began reading Scripture this way, so often folks looked to me as their priest and trained biblical student for the “right” interpretation. Gently but firmly, I refused. What matters in lectio divina is personal appropriation of a religious text. For some so-called expert to interpret authoritatively for others is simply to disempower them religiously. Slowly, parishioners catch on, namely—each of them acts as expert for their own lives and religious needs.
As I said, Native Americans reintroduced this to the Episcopal Church, in general. Works for us and shifts typical church power dynamics. By the way, I have enjoyed corresponding with Dr. Jane Vella about how congruent Lectio Divina is with the principles of Dialogue Education and Global Learning Partners. Truth be told, Jane and I actually correspond quite a bit and quite easily. She happens to be an active and loyal member of this parish!
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