When we hear the word “scripture,” many of us immediately think of sacred texts—the Bible, the Torah, the Quran, the Vedas. These written words have been passed down through generations, forming the foundation of countless faiths. They inspire, comfort, challenge, and guide us. But what if scripture is not limited to the written word? What if the Divine speaks to us in languages as vast and varied as creation itself?

As an interfaith minister, I’ve often marveled at how the sacred reveals itself in ways that transcend the pages of holy books. Yes, the words of Isaiah, the poetry of the Psalms, and the teachings of Jesus are profound, but what about the scripture of a sunrise, blazing its truth across the sky? What about the scripture of an artist pouring their soul into a canvas or a song? What about the scripture written in the mundane beauty of our daily lives?

Let us take a moment to expand our understanding of what scripture can be. Let us open ourselves to the ways the Divine speaks, not only through ancient texts but through the living text of creation.

Nature as Scripture

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the skies proclaim the work of His hands. (Psalm 19:1)

Nature is, perhaps, the most ancient and universal scripture. From the rustling leaves of a forest to the crashing waves of the sea, nature speaks in a language older than words. It tells us of cycles—birth, death, and rebirth. It whispers of stillness and growth, inviting us to learn patience and trust.

Imagine standing beneath a star-filled sky, feeling small but deeply connected to the infinite. In that moment, isn’t the Divine writing on your heart? Isn’t the breeze a holy whisper, the mountains a steadfast sermon, and the streams a hymn of grace?

To see nature as scripture is to see the world itself as sacred—a living testimony to the Creator.

Art as Scripture

Art is the creative soul’s response to the divine spark within. A painting, a poem, a melody—they all have the power to communicate truths too profound for mere explanation. Consider Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night—a swirling dance of light and shadow. It is not just paint on canvas; it is a psalm of longing, hope, and divine mystery.

Scripture does not have to be written in ink; it can be etched in the colors of a sunset or the movements of a dance. It can be found in the words of a novel or the crescendo of a symphony. Art, like sacred text, invites us to step beyond the surface and into the depths of meaning, beauty, and truth.

Experiences as Scripture

Perhaps the most unexpected scripture is found in our own lives. Our experiences—the moments of joy, pain, love, and loss—carry divine messages if we are willing to listen.

The laughter of a child, the kindness of a stranger, the quiet moments of reflection—these are verses in the great story of our lives. Even in suffering, there is scripture. As Julian of Norwich reminds us, “All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.” In our darkest hours, the Divine often whispers words of hope and resilience into our hearts, teaching us lessons that no book could fully capture.

To see our experiences as scripture is to embrace the sacredness of our humanity. It is to understand that the Divine is not distant, but intimately woven into the fabric of our daily lives.

Expanding Our View of Scripture

When we limit scripture to written texts, we risk confining the voice of the Divine. But when we open ourselves to the possibility that all creation is a sacred text, our world becomes a cathedral, and every moment a chance to encounter God.

This expanded view of scripture does not diminish the value of sacred writings. Instead, it deepens our appreciation for the many ways the Divine speaks. The Bible, for example, becomes not just a book but part of a larger symphony—a melody that harmonizes with the scriptures of nature, art, and experience.

The invitation is simple but profound: Look around you. Listen deeply. What is the Divine saying to you right now?

Perhaps it is in the wind that carries the scent of pine, in the painting that stirs something in your soul, or in the smile of a loved one. Scripture is all around us, waiting to be read and cherished. May we become aware of the constant, beautiful messages of the Divine in our own lives and experiences.

May it be so. Amen.