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Most people who have been impacted by society and the traditions of the church will go to the Bible reasonably sure of what it says about major issues, without a critical analysis of what the Bible does say. We have been taught historically that God is for this and against that, and we approach Scripture expecting to find those passages that defend the culturally accepted position. A historical/cultural understanding of what God “requires” is very difficult to uproot.

Historically and culturally accepted views that have been defended with Scripture include teachings against interracial marriage, against women ministers, against SGL people, against working mothers, and more. The Bible has also been used to defend war, slavery, and the death penalty. These beliefs are the foundation of our nation, our culture, and many of our faith communities. It takes a great deal of security for a theologically abused person to come to the study of Scripture seeking to understand the times, context, politics, culture, religion, and social norms represented by the thousands of years of history in the Bible.

Learning new ways to look at Scripture, no matter how liberating, can be a threat to one’s foundation. Learning also involves unlearning deeply rooted principles. This is particularly challenging for people who have already suffered great loss. The security to meet this challenge comes from understanding that we know and are known by God.