Interpretation

[JesusLives]

So tell me - Do you consider yourself and Agnostic or an Atheist? I see by your profile you say you are not Christian. Just interested in knowing to know how to really answer you...however, as this Blond sees it...

To get the best understanding of the Bible it is best to sit down with the book and start reading it and much better if you first pray and ask God to send His Holy Spirit to help you understand and apply what you are reading to your life. Then you don't really have to worry about what the many different denominations try to tell you what the Bible says because if you go straight to the Author of the book you usually get the answers you are seeking.

Then again if you don't believe in God what I just wrote won't mean much to you. But it is the best answer this Blonde's got..

 

[JesusLives]

Welcome to CC by the way and I hope you enjoy your time here I usually serve cookies to the newbies so please enjoy...

~

 

[Willie-T]

If you regard the Bible to be of no more value or credibility than any work of fiction then why the interest?

Now, you know why he said that. By our ages, many of us understand human nature enough to know why almost anyone says what they say. You used the very "key" word... INTEREST. He does know there is "something" to this "Christianity" stuff, but he's got some concerns about letting go of control of his own life.

 

[JesusLives]

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.)

You mean I'm not?.....lol

 

[Willie-T]

You mean I'm not?.....lol

Well, it goes without saying that I meant everyone EXCEPT you and me. I wouldn't hang out with you if you weren't as perfect as me.

BTW, why are you still at home?!?!?

 

[JesusLives]

Well, it goes without saying that I meant everyone EXCEPT you and me. I wouldn't hang out with you if you weren't as perfect as me.

I needed an early morning laugh....How you doing and your miss Suebie?

 

[Willie-T]

I wanna go to Hardee's.

 

[JesusLives]

I wanna go to Hardee's.

I'm still home cause Tourist has the car at work.....Maybe tomorrow or Monday tourist is off are you talking about the one on the corner of 38th and Hwy 19?

 

[Willie-T]

I needed an early morning laugh....How you doing and your miss Suebie?

"Chee Babe" is great, but flustered. The mutt with Doggy Dementia is acting crazy this morning.

 

[notuptome]

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.

Why read it then? Why has this book had so great an effect on all of mankind? Given the historical context it has survived when other books faded into obscurity. It is much more than just a book. It fills a void in mans heart that nothing else can do.

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.

There are a number of things involved but the simplest things are that the bible was translated from its original languages of Hebrew and Greek into our modern languages. Without that we would have to go learn Hebrew and Greek to read it. There is some contextual interpretation because of the expanse of time involved from when it was written to todays culture.

Putting most of that aside it is clear and requires no linguistic gymnastics to arrive at the conclusion that god has declared all men to be sinners. The penalty for sin is death. So death is passed upon all men. This is first physical death then spiritual death. Physical death is pretty easy to recognize but the spiritual death is a bit more involved. Men who die with their sins un-forgiven are cast into the lake of fire and condemned forever. Forgiveness is sought before the judge and found in only one place. The Savior of man is Christ. This is the great message of love sent from heaven to man.

The gospel of John and the epistle to the Romans concentrate on this important and foundational teaching in the bible.

For the cause of Christ
Roger

 

[Tinkerbell725]

Well, it goes without saying that I meant everyone EXCEPT you and me. I wouldn't hang out with you if you weren't as perfect as me.

BTW, why are you still at home?!?!?

*pokes JL and Willie-T

You are both perfectly imperfect but still awesome...

 

[Is]

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.

As a general rule the beginning of a chapter will give you the subject that is being spoken off. The main problem people make is reading a passage and not looking to the passages above or even below.

 

[JesusLives]

*pokes JL and Willie-T

You are both perfectly imperfect but still awesome...

You are perfect too cause you got wings and that's close to Angels....aren't fairies angel's cousins?

 

[Willie-T]

*pokes JL and Willie-T

You are both perfectly imperfect but still awesome...

We work at it.

 

[Stunnedbygrace]

Welcome to CC by the way and I hope you enjoy your time here I usually serve cookies to the newbies so please enjoy...

~

Uh...I never got any cookies...I think you owe me some. BTW, I like chocolate. Just sayin'

 

[JesusLives]

Uh...I never got any cookies...I think you owe me some. BTW, I like chocolate. Just sayin'

So sorry I missed you along the way.....but I can make it up to you....

This should cover that chocolate tooth you have.....Enjoy.....

 

[Willie-T]

I'm still home cause Tourist has the car at work.....Maybe tomorrow or Monday tourist is off are you talking about the one on the corner of 38th and Hwy 19?

Yep. That is now the only one in the whole county. But, I didn't mean to suggest that as a place for us to meet. I love it, and we eat there at least once a week, almost every Sunday afternoon, but it's not very fancy.

Sue was thinking about Tsunami, a Japanese steak house. And Ted Peters is fine with us, too, but we felt the menu might be a bit limiting for the price.

 

[Stunnedbygrace]

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.

It's very nice to meet you!
Jesus told us what the weightier matters are. Mercy, forgiveness.
If we ever put anything above these, we have begun to go wrong.
If we can state what we believe in a manner that does not withhold mercy and forgiveness from anyone, we do well.
If we do withhold mercy and forgiveness, we will be judged exactly as we have judged.
It's very sobering and when a man understands it, he begins to leave behind bitterness over opinions and vicious disputing and begins to walk more humbly.

 

[CS1]

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.

Biblical Understand first has to be in Relationship with Jesus or as The Holy Spirit provides Illumination in imparting insight and understanding to the individual reader or hearer so that " Truth is comprehended.

When one becomes a Christian Bible study is to be a way of life II Timothy 2:15: " Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the " Word of truth".


Over the years many in the Christian faith, have learned as God has helped properly interpreted scripture however, no one person can fully understand everything of God and His Nature other than what HIS words says and Creation Provides. Believers through His word, have enough for Righteous Living and apprpreiate Worship.

We could say there are two basic types of People in the world ; those who believe in the inerrancy and authority of the bible and those who do not. Where there is misunderstanding of the bible it solely is with the person NOT God.


Over the Years the "Church " has been able to build on the foundation of Christ to see what is known as " Foundational Truths". This helps in general and specific Principles for Interpreting Scripture . For example a term used in " Hermeneutics " ( proper bible interpretation ) called
" Circles of Literary Context".

you have the in the center (Text) think of a bulleye ( ( .1 ).2 ).3
1. Chapter Context
2. Book Context
3. Bible Context

why is this important? well A Verse taken out of context is dangerous weapon. In fact a verse out of context is so deceptive that Satan even tried it on the Son of God Matt 4:5-6 read it and see.

the saved Believer who studies will come to know the truth as God helps them. That is how the Church fathers were able to understand what is known as " Foundational truth " of our faith. There so much on this topic and it is very important. I hope you all continue to study and seek the Lord each day for more of him in His word.
here are some Foundational truth we build our faith on:


1. The Scriptures Inspired
2 One True God
3. The Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ
4. The fall of man
5 The Salvation of man

These are just some the " church" builds " doctrine from " or teaching . I am going to stop here because there is so much

Lord Bless you as you seek HIM in HIs Word...

 

[NayborBear]

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.

I can tell ya that which worked for me. Start at the beginning of the Bible (any translation, er version, that "reads easy" for ya), reading only those places where God/Lord/LORD, etc., is directly quoted by the "Faithful Servant" who is taking His dictation. And, don't be surprised if after awhile, ya find yourself looking over your shoulder, to see who is there.