Is about the fear of God as the basis for the moral life. ‘Fear’ could be translated as ‘awe’ or ‘respect’ – we are wise to act humbly in the face of great power.

Luke 6:36-37

Is about acting with mercy towards others because this is a main character quality of God. Mercy involves compassion, not being quick to judge others and the ability to forgive.

Psalm 119:9-16

Is about having joy that God has given humanity rules and standards. Judaism has been unfairly characterized as ‘legalistic’.

Psalm 119: 105-112

This is about the revelation of God’s ways being like a light to guide one’s path. When a religious believer faces a dark or uncertain time, they find their way by reading God’s revelation.

Genesis 1:26-28

Is about how humans are made in God’s likeness and have dominion. Christians link this to the theme of stewardship – the care and responsibility for the material world.

Ecclesiastes 9: 5-9

Is about the enjoyment of life. This passage urges people to not waste time in hatred, envy and sadness but to enjoy what we are able to enjoy.

Psalm 46:1-3

Is about God being a refuge in uncertain times. The analogy is that just as we seek shelter in an earthquake, we can find emotional shelter in God.

Matthew 6:25

Is about life being more than food or clothing. Jesus teaches that not only are there more important things to think about but that God cares about the believer’s basic needs.

Why are psalms important to Christians?

They believe they refer to Jesus (Psalm 22),

What do the psalms say about worship?

Describe a worshipful life and have informed hymnody (Luther’s ‘A Mighty Fortress is our God’ -Psalm 46)

Why do some Christians not think Psalms is important?

Because they believe in the ‘Old’ testament, do not cover key contemporary issues (such as genetic engineering, abortion, etc.)

Key thinkers?

D. Bonhoeffer and A. Pope

What did D. Bonhoeffer say?

‘The Psalter is the prayer book of Jesus Christ ... He prayed the Psalter and now it has become his prayer for all time.’

What did A. Pope say?

‘The scripture in times of disputes is like and open town in times of war, which serves indifferently the occasions of both parties.’

Alternative views?

However, the narrative of evolution, the possibility of goodness without God/ religion and the increasing irrelevance of the Bible in culture.

Bible as a source of wisdom and authority in daily life

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