Many religious texts are used by people all over the world. And sometimes we can look around and see others’ dedication to their texts, and look down upon our own relationship with sacred texts. How can the words written in these books so many years ago relate to us living in the 21st century? Aren’t things just too different? Weren’t the scriptures written too long ago? This article will help us learn how the scriptures can relate to you today. You can find a real relationship with sacred texts, even living in the 21st century.
First, it is important to accept that you will not understand everything you read in these texts, and that is okay. There are references and vocabulary used that is no longer known or used today. However, these are still full of meaning. With time, you can come to learn more about the language used in scriptures. There are also resources available to increase your understanding, which will lead to a deeper connection to these texts.
One benefit to the time we live in is the many resources we have right at our fingertips! We have the ability to read or listen to scriptures on mobile devices. We have so much information and inspiration in our back pocket. This will aid you in your journey to connect with religious texts. There are podcasts, youtube videos, blogs, books, and more that can help you understand scriptures and their meaning in your life.
How can I relate to a fisherman living in Galilee? It can be easy to wonder this as one dives into the gospels of the New Testament. Or, who even is Muhammed? This is a thought someone can have when looking into the Quran. And whether you actually believe these people lived and walked the Earth, treating them as real humans can benefit what you get out of holy texts. So, have a mindset that Peter was a real person. A man with emotions, passions, fears, and more. And then maybe you can put yourself in his shoes.
While reading about the stormy night on the sea, we learn about the miracle that took place when Jesus Christ walked on water. An experience some may find highly unlikely, let’s try to look at it through Peter’s eyes. F. David Lee describes it as follows:
“Peter left the boat and, like Jesus, walked on the water. But when Peter’s attention was diverted from his Master to the buffeting winds around him, his faith began to weaken, and he began to sink helplessly into the water. He cried out, appealing to Jesus for help.”
We cannot have the misconception that Jesus’s disciples were perfect. They were human. Like you and me, Peter lacked faith at times. Like you and me, Peter was curious. Like you and me, Peter desired to draw near to his Savior. And like Peter, we can come to know who our Savior is, and what it means to be changed by Him.
We can let these holy texts sink deep into our hearts by letting the teachings bleed into our actions.
“The learning of the petty man enters his ear and comes out of his mouth,” Xunzi protested, adding that the words have affected only “the four inches between ear and mouth.” Instead, the aim for a wise man should be that learning “enters his ear, clings to his mind, spreads through his four limbs and manifests itself in his actions.”
There is power found in these religious texts. You can change your perspectives, outlooks, and your lifestyle. So take the time to give them a chance, and find ways they relate to you.
-Written by Hannah Judd
