January 2, 2013
What metaphor describes the Bible better—compost pile or cookbook?
Drawing upon the work of theologian Walter Brueggemann, Peter Enns, an Old Testament scholar and author, contrasts the cookbook and compost metaphors that can describe approaches to the Bible. Emphasizing spiritual growth, Enns writes: “The compost pile analogy reminds me that focusing our gaze on the Bible is like looking expectantly at the compost pile rather than the fragrant rose or luscious watermelon that is waiting to grow up out of the ground. But nothing grows when our days are spent guarding the compost pile, defending it, covering it up with a tarp of manicured sod to make it look more civil.” He wrote this article for his Peter Enns: Rethinking Biblical Christianity blog on Patheos.
