~Keynote~ Dr. Mark Wickstrom, retired pastor from the local Community Lutheran Church, started off the VDC Annual Gathering with an inspired message associated with the Gospel of Grace. Raised in a conservative Eastern Pennsylvania family and community, he was consistently exposed to the message of, “The Bible says what it means, and means what it says.” Or, don’t question the Bible. It was not until seminary in Minnesota that the Bible again captured his full interest and attention, in his recognition of such truisms as the Bible is not a book, but a library; and, the Bible is meant to create conversations, and to see the world in a different way. Dr. Wickstrom then shared how Bible verses can be placed in different interpretative/value categories, such as: first and foremost, the Gospel of Grace; but also Timeless Truths, Cultural Norms, Personal Opinions and Random Texts. Dr. Wickstrom reminded the listener that particular verses may be placed in one category by one reader, yet in another category by another reader. In the end, we all are practicing “Selectivists,” and how we align Bible verses with these various categories tells others a lot about us. The Bible can also encourage conversations among various parties including: Reader and Author; Reader and Audience; Reader and a Character in the text; among Diverse Christian Groups; and, among Opposing Christian Perspectives. In summary, Dr. Wickstrom reminded us that: all Bible verses are inspired, yet not of equal importance; every Christian, church and denomination select verses to follow and chooses verses they will ignore; and, the same God loves us all, the same Jesus forgives us all, and the same Spirit empowers us all.
