Quote:
Originally Posted by Jerwade
Those like Mr. Jarber take everything literally, which doesn't leave room for growth and maturity.
|
Proper interpretation of scripture follows a pattern;
- The Bible interprets itself.
(External references are neither necessary nor appropriate.)
- A passage is to be taken literally unless otherwise indicated.
(The Bible means what it says and says what it means.)
- Exceptions to literal interpretation are:
Biblical poetry, parables, proverbs, object lessons and textual illustrations to name a few.
- Context is always important in interpreting the meaning of a passage of scripture.
What is context?
from Dictionary.com
1. the parts of a written or spoken statement that precede or follow a specific word or passage, usually influencing its meaning or effect:
2. the set of circumstances or facts that surround a particular event, situation, etc.
Context is a tool for determining the interpretation of a passage in the same way a screwdriver is a tool for inserting a fastener.
Christians usually disagree about interpretation of a particular passage because;
1. they have inadequate knowledge of the Bible
2. they have never acquired study skills
3. they approach Biblical interpretation with subjective presuppositions
The unfortunate ailment that afflicts many today is
post modernist philosophy taught by church leaders as well as the influence of secular society toward subjectivism.
Subjective thought rules today and it does not rule well. For instance, one of the Ten Commandments states that one ought not commit adultery. Yet movies books and private conversation are full of adulterous references if not overt performance of this violation of God's Law. Jesus said its a sin to even think about it.(*)
The Law to refrain from adultery is absolute, that which is generally defined as objective certainty or logic. Adultery is a sin. Society as well as debauched churches and synagogues approve of adultery. If it feels good do it, they say. Such an attitude is subjectively based upon personal perversity and passion, not respect for or obedience to God's Law.
The end result of subjective thought otherwise known as post modernism is
licentiousness - a total absence of a standard of behavior. For instance, the Bible story of the wreck of Sodom & Gomorrah is an object lesson which teaches God's abhorrence of a
licentious life style - one that denies the efficacy and value of Law.
The absence of objective values and knowledge is why Christians argue from a personal point of view. They simply have nowhere else to go to interpret scripture. Absence of knowledge breeds foolish words and erroneous attitudes.
This is why mountains are made of mole hills, why the minuscule is magnified and why sin is rampant among us. God's Law is thus ground under foot when everyone assumes he knows better than the Almighty.
This is why judgment stands at the door.
The time to repent of our sins and wickedness is now.
that's me, hollering from the choir loft...
(*)
John chapter 8 describes an example in Case Law; A woman was caught in adultery and brought before Jesus, who forgave her a sin that might otherwise result in public execution. BUT at the end of the narrative Jesus tells her to "
go out and sin no more". He did NOT allow her to open a brothel. Post modernist subjective thinking would excuse her excess and give her license to sin again, but Jesus wouldn't allow it. Forgiveness is granted SO THAT one may live according to the Law. It is never a license to sin.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
