I am reading the New Testament in German (very slowly—it will
take years). I hear familiar verses in a new way. Today I read part of the very
familiar 1 Korinther 13 (1 Corinthians 13). I startled to the realization that
for many years I have heard and associated this chapter 13 with weddings,
interpreted as instruction to the couple about how they are to be with each
other, but that’s not the original or intended setting or purpose (although it’s
not inappropriate or incorrect to use it at a wedding also). Rather, the
opening lines give the setting:
Though
I speak with the tongue of men and angels . . . though I have the gift of
prophecy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge and all faith . . .
though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor . . .
This is the lawyer, president, prophet, priest, the educated
and powerful and wealthy and smart . . . and faithful and giving. This is all good
things I would like to have or be or be about. And it is Paul. His first person
approach is a lesson in itself.
But Paul says that for all that, without charity I am nothing.
Coincidentally, I listened today to several lectures in the
Great Minds of the Eastern Intellectual Tradition series, including one on
Buddha and Buddhism. It struck me that the eightfold path of the Sravakayana,
one possible path to enlightenment, has much the same purpose.
The eightfold path is right view, right intention, right
speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, right
concentration. Now listen to Paul (very loosely translated from the German and
converted into command form) as he gives what might be considered a Christian
version of a path to being:
Be
forbearing, be kind, do not be jealous.
Do
not puff yourself, making yourself big or important.
Control
yourself—do not be wild, indecent, lewd, vulgar.
Do
not seek for your own benefit.
Do
not let yourself be provoked to anger or bitterness or sadness.
Do
not consort with evil, or find pleasure in unrighteousness.
Be
happy with truth.
Tolerate,
believe, hope, endure.
