NeuroDivine

A Neurodivine Reflection on Scripture, Tradition, and Reason

They meant well, I think.
The ones who said, “We stand on the Word.”
They were trying to be faithful, trying to anchor themselves in something solid.
But sometimes, in the name of standing firm, we forget how to walk gently.

Anglicanism teaches that Scripture is central—but never solitary.
It is held in tension with Tradition and Reason, like a three-legged stool.
Remove one leg, and the whole thing tips.

When Scripture stands alone, it risks becoming a weapon instead of a witness.
Verses are plucked from context, wielded to shame, silence, or exclude.
The living Word becomes a ledger of rules, not a rhythm of grace.

Tradition reminds us that we are not the first to wrestle with the text.
We inherit centuries of prayer, liturgy, and communal discernment.
Reason invites us to bring our whole selves—neurodivergent minds, aching bodies, curious hearts—into the conversation.
It says, “God gave you a brain. Use it.”

To stand on the Word alone is to forget that Jesus walked among us,
interpreting Scripture with compassion,
challenging rigid readings,
and always choosing love over legalism.

In clinical corridors and church pews, I’ve seen what happens when people cling to the Word but forget the Word made flesh.
They quote commandments but ignore the command to care.
They preach purity but forget proximity.

Neurodivine faith honours the full triad:

• Scripture as sacred story,
• Tradition as communal memory,
• Reason as holy discernment.

Together, they form a sanctuary where all are welcome—especially the misunderstood, the misquoted, and the misfit.

So let us not stand on the Word alone.
Let us sit with it, walk with it, wrestle with it.
Let us let it breathe.

And when we speak it, may it sound like love.

Litany for the Word in Community

For use in worship, reflection, or bedside prayer

Holy One, you speak through Scripture,
not as a scroll to be wielded,
but as a story to be lived.

We receive your Word with humility,
not to stand above others,
but to walk beside them.

You speak through Tradition,
the prayers of our ancestors,
the wisdom of the saints,
the rhythm of liturgy and song.

We honour your voice in the Church’s memory,
not to silence new voices,
but to welcome them.

You speak through Reason,
through minds that question,
through hearts that discern,
through bodies that know pain and joy.

We embrace your truth with curiosity,
not to control mystery,
but to dwell within it.

Forgive us when we stand on the Word alone,
forgetting the Word made flesh,
who walked with the wounded,
and listened before speaking.

Teach us to sit with Scripture,
to wrestle with Tradition,
to reason with love.

In your mercy,
restore the balance.

In your grace,
renew our witness.

That we may be a people of the Word—
not weaponised, but woven.
Not rigid, but rooted.
Not alone, but together.

Amen.