On Taking Scripture Seriously

I am being asked about why the ELCA isn't taking the Bible seriously and obeying the Bible, by which the inquirer means literally doing what the Bible says. My answer is that Christ reigns even over the Scriptures. Or, as I tell my students, the Gospel -- the unconditional love of God revealed in Jesus Christ -- trumps even the Bible. Besides, iIf we were to do exactly what the Bible says, what do we do with verses like these?

“Speak to Aaron and say: No one of your offspring throughout their generations who has a blemish may approach to offer the food of his God. For no one who has a blemish shall draw near, one who is blind or lame, or one who has a mutilated face or a limb too long, or one who has a broken foot or a broken hand, or a hunchback, or a dwarf, or a man with a blemish in his eyes or an itching disease or scabs or crushed testicles. No descendant of Aaron the priest who has a blemish shall come near to offer the Lord’s offerings by fire; since he has a blemish, he shall not come near to offer the food of his God.” Leviticus 21:17-21, NRSV.

“In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.”” Luke 3:11, NRSV.

“If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell.” Matthew 5:29, 30, NRSV.

“So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.” John 13:14, 15, NRSV.