DIVINE PEARS AND PAPER GODS

 A man asked if the Bible was the word of God. 

The Gadfly asked, “Is the word tree a real tree?” 

The man said no. 

 The Gadfly said, “In the same way the words of the Bible are not the word of God. Do you seek divinity in paper and ink?  Seek it instead within your own heart, for therein is the truth you desire.  If you wanted a pear, you would not just peal the word off a page and eat it.  Do not tear at the Bible with hungry hands in order to devour a paper God.” 

 The man said, “But I need the Bible.” 

The Gadfly answered, “Then read it.  But do not look to the Bible as an infallible guide.  For divine inspiration is not at home in paper and ink, but dwells in the hearts of those who do not cling to it.  And infallibility is a reality that only exists insofar as love covers a multitude of sins.”