Bishop Advocates for a 'Third Testament', Labeling Biblical Texts as Problematic
In a bold theological statement, a prominent bishop has called for the creation of a 'Third Testament', asserting that certain passages in the Bible are deeply problematic and do not represent the word of God. Yvette Flunder, the senior pastor of the City of Refuge United Church of Christ in Oakland, California, and the Presiding Bishop of The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries, made these controversial remarks during a recent address for the Center for Public Theology & Public Policy.
Critique of Old and New Testaments
Bishop Flunder expressed strong criticism of both the Old and New Testaments, describing specific texts as troubling and out of step with modern values. She highlighted examples such as the verse 'Slaves obey your masters as you do the Lord' and the instruction 'Let the women keep silent in the churches and if they have any questions let them ask their husbands at home.' According to Flunder, these passages contribute to a portrayal of God that is vitriolic and inconsistent with her personal faith.
She emphasized her deep belief in God, stating, 'My whole heart, I trust God with my whole heart. I wake up in the morning talking to God and God talking to me.' However, she voiced frustration with how these biblical texts shape perceptions of divinity, arguing that they need to be re-evaluated or removed.
Call for a 'Third Testament'
Flunder proposed that a 'Third Testament' is necessary to address these issues, clarifying that the New Testament is not the word of God but rather 'words about God.' She challenged traditional views by saying, 'And they said, well, you can’t do it. It’s the Word of God. I said, no, it’s words about God. Come on now. But is it the Word of God? No. It is not the Word of God.'
Her message, which she acknowledged as 'a very dangerous thing,' has sparked debate within religious circles, raising questions about scriptural interpretation and the need for theological updates in contemporary society.
