Watched a perceptive and interesting programme on television this evening. The programme previewed the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, and characterised the coming debates in terms of what is seen as the most significant difference in theological viewpoint within the Church of Scotland. Illuminatingly, the programme makers visited two congregations, one located in the Gorbals, the other on the outskirts of Aberdeen. The minister of the former emphasised the work he was doing in the community, to promote harmony, to heal divisions, to help the poor. The minister of the latter said that he wished to be faithful to the gospel. The snapshot of the church highlighted bible study and prayer. From my own experience, I believe that both pictures were, on the whole, fair representations of their subjects.

Of course, the two viewpoints may be alternate sides of the same coin. But in practice they can underly fierce debate.

But there is one thing, at least, that they have in common (perhaps unknowingly). The Iona Community (with which I believe the minister in the Gorbals is strongly associated) has a rule (or, at least, when I knew them, had a rule). For half an hour each day, each member should spend time quietly with his or her Lord. And Scripture Union (who probably belong towards the opposite end of this particular spectrum) promote the idea that to enjoy a healthy spiritual life, a Christian should spend around half an hour each day, reading his or her bible, to get to know his or her Lord better.

I see the weakness of the evangelical point of view. There can be greater emphasis on what you believe than in whom you believe. And I can see why the evangelical point of view tends to be media-unfriendly. But I have to say, from personal experience, that nothing beats a daily read of the bible to keep me on the straight and narrow.