{"id":38679,"date":"2024-07-04T10:59:15","date_gmt":"2024-07-04T09:59:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ifesworld.org\/?post_type=conexion&p=38679"},"modified":"2024-07-05T10:26:20","modified_gmt":"2024-07-05T09:26:20","slug":"is-the-bible-relevant-for-todays-world","status":"publish","type":"conexion","link":"https:\/\/ifesworld.org\/en\/blog\/is-the-bible-relevant-for-todays-world\/","title":{"rendered":"Is the Bible relevant for today\u2019s world?\u00a0\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Much of the content in this blog is adapted and abridged from the epilogue in <\/em>Exploring the Word and the World<\/a> produced by three IFES ministry teams: <\/em>Scripture Engagement<\/em><\/a>, <\/em>Engaging the University<\/em><\/a>, and <\/em>Logos and Cosmos Initiative<\/em><\/a>. <\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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What does the Bible say about\u2026? <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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It\u2019s a common question, voiced by Christians and non-Christians. Popular web searches ask: <\/em>\u201cWhat is the Christian perspective on depression?\u201d<\/em>, \u201cWhat is the Christian view on war\u201d<\/em>, \u201cWhat is the biblical perspective on marriage?\u201d<\/em><\/strong>, and \u201cWhat does the Bible say about sex?\u201d<\/em><\/strong>. Although we must properly understand how those words are used, you can at least open the Bible and find them, or similar words and concepts.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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But what about climate change? Artificial intelligence (AI)? Censorship? Illegal migration?  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Do you believe the Bible speaks to these topics? Does it address every issue in today\u2019s world? When you hear the concerns and conversations going on around you, do you think the Holy Scriptures have something to say?  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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We affirm that \u201cAll Scripture is God-breathed\u202fand is useful for teaching,\u202frebuking, correcting and training in righteousness\u201d (2 Timothy 3:16). <\/em><\/strong>So, how does it work? We\u2019re not going to find a direct <\/em>answer in the Bible to \u201cShould we embrace or reject the advancement of AI?\u201d So, how can we discern what a biblical perspective is on AI? <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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SIX STEPS FOR DISCERNING BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES<\/strong> <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n
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This blog shares six steps that can help you explore and discern a biblical view on any contemporary issue<\/strong>. Together, the steps form a movement of three stages: exploring God\u2019s world, examining God\u2019s Word, and then sharing the Word in the world.  <\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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The journey involves defining, refining, and clarifying our questions, humbly approaching the relevant texts for biblical insights, faithfully applying what we\u2019ve learned, and sharing our experiences with others so that we can practically address contemporary challenges. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Here are the six steps: <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n
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1. LISTEN TO TODAY\u2019S WORLD<\/strong> <\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Consider one issue affecting life today. Think of a topic that\u2019s generating concern and discussion in your context. What questions, worries, and interests do non-Christians around you have?<\/em> Listen to them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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It may surprise non-Christians that you\u2019re asking \u2013 and listening! It might intrigue them that you\u2019re honestly seeking to find out what the Bible has to say on contemporary issues. Your belief that God\u2019s Word is relevant in today\u2019s world <\/strong>could spark their curiosity.  <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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2. INVESTIGATE THE ISSUE<\/strong> <\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Reflect on why the issue you chose is important to the contemporary world. It\u2019s good to go beyond your own opinion and perspective by talking to others (but avoid relying on what you might already know or assume). Investigate: gain a genuine sense of why people are worried about this issue. <\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Our understanding can be enriched and challenged when we engage with other views \u2013 especially when they\u2019re rooted in experience or expertise. How do historical, geographical, social, economic, cultural, or religious contexts relate to the issue?<\/strong> Gather relevant information from reliable sources. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

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3. CONSIDER CONNECTIONS, VALUES, AND CAUSES<\/strong> <\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Information and data can be overwhelming. If we fail to spot meaningful connections in it, what we\u2019ve gathered can even be unhelpful.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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So, these questions can help you sort through it: <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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