Fix the Lectionary!
March 16, 2007
Ok, so it’s no big secret that I’m not a huge fan of the lectionary. I mean, I do like keeping the weekly readings tied to the liturgical seasons, and I do like the way that the lectionary prevents preachers from always recycling their favorite passages. It also has some serious shortcomings, however. I don’t like the way that it makes your theological choices for you. This, for example, we learn that the Israelites leaving the wilderness and crossing into Canaan is just like the prodigal son returning home to dad, a view which I think is theologically shallow. I also don’t like the fact that the lectionary only touches on about 20% of the Bible - when was the last time you heard Joshua actually preached in church?
Apparantly, I have a kindred spirit in Frank Henderson, although he’s one-upped me by actually creating an alternative Lenten lectionary, one which he believes has more respect for women, more respect for Jewish tradition, and which better represents the tradition of Lent being a preparation for Easter. Go and read it, it’s well worth your time.