Of this blindness and this false resting of an heretic in his own feeling, speaketh the wise man thus: There is a way that seemeth right to a man, and the last end of it bringeth him to endless death. This way specially is called heresy: for other fleshly sinners that sin mortally and lie therein, commonly condemn themselves, and feel biting in conscience, because they go not the right way; but an heretic supposeth that he doth well, and teacheth well, yea, and that no man doth and teacheth so well as he, and so judgeth his way to be right, and, therefore, feeleth he no biting of conscience nor humility in heart. And, soothly, if God of His great mercy sendeth him not humility at the last end, he goeth to hell. And, nevertheless, yet weeneth he to have done well and that he shall get the bliss of Heaven for his teaching.(John Climacus)

In how to better understand scripture, how to better understand our relationship with neighbor, and how to better understand our relationship with God, I have a fairly high opinion of myself. The process of understanding is different than doing, but within the narrow confines of understanding I "doth well and teacheth well."

Because I was raised in a non-conforming tradition I have no particular aversion to what others might consider heresy. If historical evidence and higher criticism point in one direction, I am likely to go there. If my personal preference - and on rare occasions, sense of revelation - points in the same direction, then I will proceed with considerable confidence.

But confidence can be different than pride. Recently - for these morning meditations - I stumbled on an entirely credible hermeneutic using the story of the Centurion to suggest Jesus had blessed a gay relationship. I intend to give it more attention. At some point, almost certainly, I will begin sharing it with others... as I am here.

Scripture deserves careful study. Any hermeneutic of any value must be approached with humility. The linguistic, historical, and cultural contexts are complicated. Confidence is one thing, certainty is usually not possible.

Sharing a possible meaning of scripture with our neighbors should begin where they are open and proceed in love to where they are closed. Along the way I need to be very attentive to where I have closed my own heart, mind, and spirit to the still small voice of God.