This arose in me today. I was reflecting on how I teach about sacred reading, or lectio divina, and how tightly I hold to my own preconceived notions about the world and any text I read, especially the sacred ones. After all, I’ve invested a large portion of my life interpreting and living from these sacred texts. The number of texts I consider sacred has grown, but the result seems to be the same: making a text sacred often makes me hold even more tightly to my previous interpretations and beliefs about its intention, sometimes without even having read the text closely.
It’s almost as if I need the text to say the same thing it did to me before. This is confirmation bias at work—I read the text to confirm what I already believe it says. I want it to support my existing point of view. It seems this is how most of us approach anything, let alone sacred texts.
When I teach about sacred reading/lectio divina, I encourage my listeners to let go of any preconceived notions they bring to the text. They may have heard the text repeatedly throughout their lives or bring an expectation of what they imagine all sacred texts usually say. I realized that, though I often caution others about preconceptions, I bring them myself to a text. Wow.
I began listening to a text more deeply, seeking some other voice speaking the meaning—some former preacher, professor, or Sunday School teacher. You catch my meaning. Somewhere within, there is an unexamined voice telling me exactly what sacred texts are meant to say, leading to confirmation bias. That is what the text says to me.
Back to the insight from earlier in the day: hold lightly. Listen deeply enough to recognize my own voice, previous voices, and the Spirit speaking. Discern carefully and, even then, do not hold on tightly. What the text speaks into my life now may not be what it will speak into anyone else’s or even mine later today.
I am learning to be careful about attaching too much to my current reading of any text. Let it speak. Listen for meaning. Discern what may be old tapes and patterns emerging. Let those go with gratitude for the compass point they may have been at an earlier point in my life. Live afresh in this moment.
Questions for Reflection
- Reflect on a sacred text you hold dear. How have your interpretations of this text changed over time? What preconceptions might you still hold onto that could be limiting a fresh understanding?
- When engaging in sacred reading or lectio divina, what voices (past teachers, mentors, cultural influences) do you recognize influencing your interpretation? How can you differentiate between these voices and the new insights the Spirit might be offering you now?
- Think about a recent experience where you encountered a text or idea that challenged your existing beliefs. How did you respond? What steps can you take to hold your interpretations lightly and remain open to new perspectives?
Infinitely Precious 