Just why do churches put so much energy into repackaging and explaining their holy book in words more people (even their own people) might understand? Many of us don't really want to know who "the wicked" are, or what "sin," "righteousness," "God," or "Lord" might mean, because they are part of a religious world we don't belong to. So what could we possibly have to learn from a text that is baked in that stuff?
Much is being rediscovered in contemplative, meditative, and wisdom traditions, often dating back millennia and transcending religious worldviews. It should be no surprise then that there is indeed precious insight into human life to be found in the ancient Hebrew writings too. But how do we access it? It is time to offer a portion to everyone, all humans, regardless of background or religious affiliation, as we ask questions we have always been asking.
Where is my life headed? What are my influences, and how do I react? Can I affect society? Do I feel stupid? Confident? Do I meditate and feel a reassuring sense of presence or terrible loneliness? Do my choices define me? When I try to act positively, am I part of something bigger? What is life all about? Where does suffering fit in? Love has a vital role in the process, and atheists, secularists, humanists, spirituals, religious folk-all humans should find more compelling spiritual insight here than we ever dreamed possible.
