Interpretation

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TheHeroJourney

Guest
#1
I have been thinking about this for a while now, perhaps even before joining you all here on this site.

From what I can tell, there are many denominations of Christianity, all which seem to either place emphasis on certain aspects of the faith, or perhaps even collectively held interpretations among those in the branch.

How much does interpretation come into play?

I know this is a vague question, but I cannot come up with anything more specific. Feel free to be as vague or general as you like in your answers.

Perhaps I could come up with something more specific in the replies to help the conversation going.
 
Dec 9, 2011
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#2
A person quoting scripture that Is not In context can influence their interpretation the scripture used,...(usually one scripture)

but when you quote a scripture In context...(usually more than one scripture)... It would be difficult to get your interpretation to match the scripture, unless there is harmony,

so then quote scripture in context and use scripture to interpret scripture and then give your interpretation to help clarify.
 

oldhermit

Senior Member
Jul 28, 2012
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#3
I have been thinking about this for a while now, perhaps even before joining you all here on this site.

From what I can tell, there are many denominations of Christianity, all which seem to either place emphasis on certain aspects of the faith, or perhaps even collectively held interpretations among those in the branch.

How much does interpretation come into play?

I know this is a vague question, but I cannot come up with anything more specific. Feel free to be as vague or general as you like in your answers.

Perhaps I could come up with something more specific in the replies to help the conversation going.
Interpretation is the dominate problem. It is the fox in the hen house. An interpretive reading of any biblical text is the worse possible approach to scripture.
 
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Lost_sheep

Guest
#4
This is a good question. Interpretation is a big problem for me as I am exploring Christianity. I can read the words on the page, but it seems like there are a lot of opinions about what those words "mean" versus what they "say". It's confusing.
 
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3Scoreand10

Guest
#5
Interpretation is the problem.
No one is to interpret the Word, they are to study it and understand exactly what it says.
 
Feb 7, 2015
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#6
Interpretative limitation builds the box you could find yourself living in. Make sure you are happy with the one you pick.
 
Feb 7, 2015
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#7
This is a good question. Interpretation is a big problem for me as I am exploring Christianity. I can read the words on the page, but it seems like there are a lot of opinions about what those words "mean" versus what they "say". It's confusing.
Acts 8:26-40 was written to you. (or at least, FOR you.)
 
Jan 7, 2015
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#8
The interpretation of the words of God belong to the God who gave them, and those whom God has chosen to reveal the many mysteries to, by the revelation of His Son and the power of His Spirit of wisdom working in them.
 

crossnote

Senior Member
Nov 24, 2012
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#9
I believe the more we learn of Scripture the more we find that the passages from other places help interpret the passage in question. In other words Scripture interprets Scripture or is it's best interpreter.

Can we still know all Scripture perfectly? I don't believe so, at least not now, because...

For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.
(1Co 13:12)
 
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TheHeroJourney

Guest
#11
Wow. This got far more traction than I had believed it would.

From what I gather, it would be a work in progress?

Perhaps I need a thorough reading before I can start making concrete thoughts on the matter. Still, I'm curious as to just how far this matters, especially if various groups have different collective beliefs on the matter.

For example, I found this comment, "Baptists believe the Bible is infallible. Mormons believe that since it was translated by mortal men, our modern Bibles contain mistakes - some deliberate and some accidental."

Both of these viewpoints of the Bible could lead to different interpretations of it.
 

oldhermit

Senior Member
Jul 28, 2012
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#12
Wow. This got far more traction than I had believed it would.

From what I gather, it would be a work in progress?

Perhaps I need a thorough reading before I can start making concrete thoughts on the matter. Still, I'm curious as to just how far this matters, especially if various groups have different collective beliefs on the matter.

For example, I found this comment, "Baptists believe the Bible is infallible. Mormons believe that since it was translated by mortal men, our modern Bibles contain mistakes - some deliberate and some accidental."

Both of these viewpoints of the Bible could lead to different interpretations of it.
I do not know if you have ever thought about this before but, when you read the Bible, how do you engage the text? In other words, do you see the Bible simply as an historical phenomenon, a narrative document, a treatise on ethics, or a soteriological manifesto? This makes a big difference in how one interacts with the text.
 

notuptome

Senior Member
May 17, 2013
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#13
There can be only one correct interpretation of the scriptures. There can be many correct applications of the scriptures.

Most men do not misunderstand the word of God. Rather they just don't like what they understand because it demands change from them and they do not want to change.

Interpretation is being able to know what God has said. Application is taking what God said and doing it.

Isa 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

For the cause of Christ
Roger
 
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TheHeroJourney

Guest
#14
I do not know if you have ever thought about this before but, when you read the Bible, how do you engage the text? In other words, do you see the Bible simply as an historical phenomenon, a narrative document, a treatise on ethics, or a soteriological manifesto? This makes a big difference in how one interacts with the text.
I have yet to find the time to sit down and thumb through more of it, but the last time I read through it, I looked at it as it was no different than any other work of fiction. Fiction with a historical basis and a list of morals associated with it? Yes. But still just a book.

There can be only one correct interpretation of the scriptures. There can be many correct applications of the scriptures.

Most men do not misunderstand the word of God. Rather they just don't like what they understand because it demands change from them and they do not want to change.

Interpretation is being able to know what God has said. Application is taking what God said and doing it.

Isa 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

For the cause of Christ
Roger
Then I wonder, "Which is the correct interpretation?" Does it vary based on translation? Is the clergy familiar with what is to be the correct interpretation, and that is why people go to church? Is it a personal thing where everyone is in some sort of eternal struggle attempting to figure it out?

I can understand correct applications, however, and am glad you brought it up.
 
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#15
Quite simply put, the Word of God is heard by each of us a little differently than the other guy hears it. It is foolishly impossible to try and deny that. And I believe it should be this way.

There are people in this world who would never be reached if everyone had the same aims as I strive for. I just feel no draw to associate with certain people. And there are other people who consider it horrible to evangelize to those I focus upon. They would never even go near them, let alone befriend them.

God made each of us different to be able to hear the diversity of His word. And I firmly believe He intended it that way... even from the choosing of the very diverse group He first picked to spread His word.

And the unique interpretations each of us glean from the Scriptures is what assures that we do not stagnate into one type of Believer who excludes anyone with a different understanding.

Otherwise, we would all have been made perfect. (As some of us actually think "we" are.)
 
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Sep 4, 2012
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#16

And the unique interpretations each of us glean from the Scriptures is what assures that we do not stagnate into one type of Believer who excludes anyone with a different understanding.


There's no such thing as personal interpretation of scripture. The only unique interpretation is that which the holy spirit gives. What you're describing is postmodern relativism where every person has his own unique truth based on personal experience. That is the exact opposite of following Christ. It is the broad way.
 
Nov 22, 2015
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#17
Well said Willie...we should be celebrating our differences and learning from each other. We are all a part of the body of Christ...we all have a part to play...let's let the hand be the hand and not try to "make" it a foot.....and if it doesn't operate like a hand.... that doesn't make it a wolf or a false teacher....selah
 
Feb 7, 2015
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#18
There's no such thing as personal interpretation of scripture. The only unique interpretation is that which the holy spirit gives. What you're describing is postmodern relativism where every person has his own unique truth based on personal experience. That is the exact opposite of following Christ. It is the broad way.
See what I mean, THJ? Now, this person, I would just leave to his delusions, and go on to someone I saw as more open.

And, he feels the same way about me. Thankfully, God has created each of us so that we will reach those he intends for us to reach.
 

oldhermit

Senior Member
Jul 28, 2012
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#19
I have yet to find the time to sit down and thumb through more of it, but the last time I read through it, I looked at it as it was no different than any other work of fiction. Fiction with a historical basis and a list of morals associated with it? Yes. But still just a book.
If you regard the Bible to be of no more value or credibility than any work of fiction then why the interest?