Friday Five: The B-I-B-L-E

It's time for Friday Five! Mother Laura asked some questions about the Bible.

1. What is your earliest memory of encountering a biblical text?

That's easy! My mama took me to church to illustrate one! I was just getting ready to take my Canine Good Citizen test and the lesson for that week had something about distractions in it. I went into church for the Children's Time and my mama talked about distractions and how that is part of the CGC test and part of the life of faith, too. People liked me, and they understood my mama's message better after watching me do some of my tricks, even though I was in church. I kept my eyes on my mama and showed my eye contact!

I also learned that there are "alternate" translations, and "the sin that distracts" was in one of them.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2, NRSV)

I know I get distracted sometimes and want to run off, and it must be even harder for people, since they aren't as good as dogs, mostly.

2. What is your favorite biblical translation, and why? (You might have a few for different purposes).

I like the RDSV (RevDog Standard Version).

3. What is your favorite book of the Bible? Your favorite verse/passage?

There's a story about a lady who tells Jesus that even the dogs under the table get the children's crumbs. I like that idea. I get the children's crumbs a lot, and even their leftovers. It makes me sad that some children don't have enough to eat. That lady was smart, and she helped Jesus think about who he was here to talk to and love, which is everybody.

4. Which book of the Bible do you consider, in Luther's famous words about James, to be "an epistle of straw?" Which verse(s) make you want to scream?

I prefer to discuss the great canine theologian, Martin Wroofer, who once said, "Wroo wroo! Too many rules in Leviticus! Listen to Jesus: love God, love others and love yourself. And don't forget to love dogs, too."

5. Inclusive language in biblical translation and liturgical proclamation: for, against, or neutral?

I think you should always include all the creatures. Don't forget the dogs. Or the cats. When I was scared of the No Fun-derstorm last night, I got on the bed with my mama and Baby the cat, and Baby didn't bother me at all, and I didn't bother her either.

Bonus: Back to the Psalms--which one best speaks the prayer of your heart?

I like to sing, so I love the psalms, especially the rejoicing ones! Even when my elbow hurts, which is a lot lately, I try to stay happy. If you're ever feeling glum, just read Psalm 150. It says, "Let everything that breathes praise the Lord!" And I do.

I hope you'll play, too.