Why is the bible so open to interpretation?

[LaurenTM]

Originally Posted by crossnote

The bible is perfectly clear. It is our flesh that clouds up the water.
No matter which way God stated something we'd find a way to confuse the matter.

As we continue in His Word the fog progressively lifts.

This is an interesting contradiction.

Willie-T and Grace7 both agreed with the above comment yet dramatically disagree with most of the christian church, yet we all have the same bible.

You may spot a real irony here.

what is your actual motive here?

to discuss interpretation or other CC members?

 

[Trail-of-Truth]

The Bible says there is no private interpretation. This is because a question in one area answers itself in another area.

 

[PilgrimPassingThru]

then I guess you may need another dose of Proverbs

Ah, I see, you consider yourself to be of the wise counsels I need to attain to and need more proverbs to understand your dark saying?

 

[LaurenTM]

Ah, I see, you consider yourself to be of the wise counsels I need to attain to and need more proverbs to understand your dark saying?

but it was ok when you did it

LOL! that's what I thought

moving along

 

[PilgrimPassingThru]

but it was ok when you did it

LOL! that's what I thought

moving along

I havent a clue as to what you have been going on about

But please consider doing just that

 

[PeterJens]

what is your actual motive here?

to discuss interpretation or other CC members?

I thought it ironic, to believe the bible is simple and interpretation clear, when very sincere
people hold very differing views. Now I respect a lot of the different perspectives because
I know how loyalties grow and emotional perspectives develop.

I think we need to respect our differences and be honest enough to explain why they exist.

Interestingly willie-T has commented in the past on the very varied interpretations of various
contradictions is scripture, and what they mean. Enough people have lost their faith over such
when they started out sincere 100% believers.

So I am not trying to get at people, it is just an observation. Truth holds no emotional positions
or is trying to lift up or put people down. Truth is just truth, it is we who deny or accept it and
as a result either appear wise or mistaken.

 

[Cee]

John 16:12“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

Holy Spirit says what Jesus is saying (what He hears He will speak). And He declares what isn't His (He will take what is mine and declare it to you). Holy Spirit does not contradict Himself. A Kingdom divided against itself can not stand. But Holy Spirit will contradict our wrong interpretations.

This is why it is ABSOLUTELY without a single doubt critical that a person understands that Holy Spirit is the Teacher. He speaks through people. He speaks in people. He speaks through circumstances. He speaks through Scripture. But at the end of the day it is fully and completely Him. Without this understanding a lot of things get wonky.

We have to first look to the PURPOSES of God. What is His Will? He tells us in Scripture. Why did He gives us the Spirit? He tells us in Scripture. What about those who are mislead? He tells us in Scripture.

A lot of problems occur when we take complex passages to reinterpret simple ones. This is the first error of hermaneutics. It is usually the sign of a theology (belief about God) being interpreted into the text instead of being taken out of the text. For that reason we do need to know the context and the whole of Scripture, but we also need to accept simple statements in light of other simple statements to build our foundation.

For instance, Scripture itself says that we must be led by the Spirit, follow after the Spirit, hear the Spirit, be upheld by the Spirit, but so many people interpret this through the lens of Scripture = Spirit.

We must understand that we are all different, we all have a part to play, we all have unique revelations, and we are called to test the spirits for ourselves not for others. Unless of course we have relationship with them (we are a father/mother) not just an instructor. Which there are thousands.

So why is it open for interpretation? Because Scripture is not a simple collection of stories, commands, teachings, principles, to'do's, etc. it's a God-Breathed Book that the Spirit of God uses to lead us into encounter and relationship with the Author, Himself.

C.

 

[LaurenTM]

I thought it ironic, to believe the bible is simple and interpretation clear, when very sincere
people hold very differing views. Now I respect a lot of the different perspectives because
I know how loyalties grow and emotional perspectives develop.

I think we need to respect our differences and be honest enough to explain why they exist.

Interestingly willie-T has commented in the past on the very varied interpretations of various
contradictions is scripture, and what they mean. Enough people have lost their faith over such
when they started out sincere 100% believers.

So I am not trying to get at people, it is just an observation. Truth holds no emotional positions
or is trying to lift up or put people down. Truth is just truth, it is we who deny or accept it and
as a result either appear wise or mistaken.

yes? when do you think you might actually try doing that? I may not post all the time, but I can certainly read and I have to say you appear to post in order to castigate anyone that does not praise your interpretations as you put it

now this is an observation and hopefully you will be as generous with this one as you are with your own

 

[PeterJens]

yes? when do you think you might actually try doing that? I may not post all the time, but I can certainly read and I have to say you appear to post in order to castigate anyone that does not praise your interpretations as you put it

now this is an observation and hopefully you will be as generous with this one as you are with your own

It is an interesting observation. You will notice a small group who consistently feel it is their role to say I am wrong, their way is right.

Now because we have two different views of faith, it is always going to be
a to and fro discussion. But that is what happens when you have an open
forum. When people agree they mutually enhance the comments, when they
disagree it becomes a conflict.

And when you take sides, ofcourse the other side has no reason to respond
they are obviously wrong. So I got to laugh, this is not a neutral place.

 

[PeterJens]

yes? when do you think you might actually try doing that? I may not post all the time, but I can certainly read and I have to say you appear to post in order to castigate anyone that does not praise your interpretations as you put it

now this is an observation and hopefully you will be as generous with this one as you are with your own

One member always reminds me his role is to point out my sin and expose my deep
hypocracy and failure. His interpretations of scripture is very different from mine
Elijah sinned against God running away from Jezebel which meant my lack of agreement
with him meant I was told I was a legalist and no one should listen to anything I say. lol

 

[PilgrimPassingThru]

One member always reminds me his role is to point out my sin and expose my deep
hypocracy and failure. His interpretations of scripture is very different from mine
Elijah sinned against God running away from Jezebel which meant my lack of agreement
with him meant I was told I was a legalist and no one should listen to anything I say. lol

You serious?

(I'd believe it!)

 

[Grace777x70]

One member always reminds me his role is to point out my sin and expose my deep
hypocracy and failure. His interpretations of scripture is very different from mine
Elijah sinned against God running away from Jezebel which meant my lack of agreement
with him meant I was told I was a legalist and no one should listen to anything I say. lol

I very highly doubt anyone called you a legalist because of the bold statement above. You may "thought" in your mind and "constructed" in your mind that they said that, but history has shown that there were other things said differently then what you perceived.

That's why it is so important to find out exactly what people are actually saying. When you understand that - then now discussions can proceed with a common ground.

It just makes for a better discussion and people are not "putting their own words" into what is being said. It is also ok to agree to disagree too but we don't have to call then names because there is a difference of opinion on some areas.

 

[PeterJens]

You serious?

(I'd believe it!)

Yep. I was thinking about God having secrets, which he does, and Amen, I trust him.
He knew the 7,000 where still kept when Elijah thought he was alone.
So I mentioned this and how Elijah showed faith, and then exhaustion after the event.

I was then put in my place, and told I had got it all wrong etc. The Lord leads in interesting
ways to make His points. To His people, we know. These guys are so hard and have so little
emotional understanding. Elijah is a hero and giant to me, I have no criticism of him at all.

God seriously liked him and took Him to heaven. That is serious one to one friendship.
As an amusing aside, why would someone find fault with someone God does not, not very
wise.

 

[PeterJens]

I very highly doubt anyone called you a legalist because of the bold statement above. You may "thought" in your mind and "constructed" in your mind that they said that, but history has shown that there were other things said differently then what you perceived.

Grace7 - I highly doubt you have a sensible thought in your head. You are in total denial about everything you stand for and want to have the authority you do not possess. Now if you are not party to a discussion, what right have you to make any comments other than to slander someone else.

The point I am making is what you are doing is literally slander, because you do not know anything about the subject.
And it is slander because based on your judgement of me, you are being both condescending and derogitory.
Now for someone who constantly calls slander sin, evil, the worst thing ever, you are being a total hypocrite.

So please carry on talking about things you do not know about. And my hypocritical friend, I am just sharing my opinion of events. And that is what I value, peoples perspectives.

And your perception of what you are saying is so superficial. The best example of this was your support of the dutch preacher who held the Lords prayer was old covenant. You denied doing this, then when proven you said you did not follow his teaching, even though you posted his talk in support of your theology and told people you went on his teaching courses.

So I have no respect of your great utterances or your high authority, you are just an empty wind bag, when caught out retreat in disarray.

 

[PilgrimPassingThru]

Yep. I was thinking about God having secrets, which he does, and Amen, I trust him.
He knew the 7,000 where still kept when Elijah thought he was alone.
So I mentioned this and how Elijah showed faith, and then exhaustion after the event.

I was then put in my place, and told I had got it all wrong etc. The Lord leads in interesting
ways to make His points. To His people, we know. These guys are so hard and have so little
emotional understanding. Elijah is a hero and giant to me, I have no criticism of him at all.

God seriously liked him and took Him to heaven. That is serious one to one friendship.
As an amusing aside, why would someone find fault with someone God does not, not very
wise.

I thought that was funny, although I might not have been there you can some times relate to running into a similar line of reasoning.

 

[Grace777x70]

Grace7 - I highly doubt you have a sensible thought in your head. You are in total denial about everything you stand for and want to have the authority you do not possess. Now if you are not party to a discussion, what right have you to make any comments other than to slander someone else.

The point I am making is what you are doing is literally slander, because you do not know anything about the subject.
And it is slander because based on your judgement of me, you are being both condescending and derogitory.
Now for someone who constantly calls slander sin, evil, the worst thing ever, you are being a total hypocrite.

So please carry on talking about things you do not know about. And my hypocritical friend, I am just sharing my opinion of events. And that is what I value, peoples perspectives.

And your perception of what you are saying is so superficial. The best example of this was your support of the dutch preacher who held the Lords prayer was old covenant. You denied doing this, then when proven you said you did not follow his teaching, even though you posted his talk in support of your theology and told people you went on his teaching courses.

So I have no respect of your great utterances or your high authority, you are just an empty wind bag, when caught out retreat in disarray.

Therein lies the rub...I was reading that thread all along and know what was really said. And you can call me all the names you want as I expect it so it's ok.

Bless you...the Lord loves you deeply and has great plans for you and He is revealing the grace of the Lord Jesus to you and to your family.

 

[PeterJens]

Therein lies the rub...I was reading that thread all along and know what was really said. And you can call me all the names you want as I expect it so it's ok.
Bless you...the Lord loves you deeply and has great plans for you and He is revealing the grace of the Lord Jesus to you and to your family.

Ah here is the rub. You are lying about what you are saying and want to create one impression and then another. As I have stated a man of no integrity.

What happens when people are shown up for what they actually are, run away with the tail between their legs.

What I do not understand is how their logic works. I have no problem with someone saying Elijah sinned fearing for his life because he was not trusting God, they obviously regard fear as a statement of disbelief.

What I did not expect is that is was dismissed as some profound idiot, unbeliever, and not knowing God. The interpretations surprised me. I have no desire to know why they go where they go, it is a different faith, so I simply ignore there perspective. They worship a different God, who has no empathy or understanding of a man, who put everything on the line, against the most evil King in the history of Israel and won. And after all that, still God left the King and Queen standing.

Now that is confusing. Elijah then goes on a marathon run. This is another world, a relationship of real depth and grace. What a King, what a provider, what a friend.

 

[Chester]

It would be really nice if we did not need to interpret Scripture. Just go by what the Bible says! But as PeterJens points out we all read different things into Scriptures often depending on our background and our own spiritual journeys. And as I think he tries to point out some people use their interpretation of Scripture to cover their own sins and addictions.

But there is only one correct interpretation of every verse and passage. The Calvinists and the Armininians are not both right. The premillenialists and the postmillienialists are not both right. (Now it could be that both or all are wrong!)

We could say there is only one correct Theology (with a capital T), but that there are many theologies (with a small t). Every person has a theology. Our goal should be to have our theology as close to Theology as possible.

(Now surely my theology is closer to Theology than yours! Don't we all think that!)

 

[PilgrimPassingThru]

It would be really nice if we did not need to interpret Scripture. Just go by what the Bible says! But as PeterJens points out we all read different things into Scriptures often depending on our background and our own spiritual journeys. And as I think he tries to point out some people use their interpretation of Scripture to cover their own sins and addictions.

But there is only one correct interpretation of every verse and passage. The Calvinists and the Armininians are not both right. The premillenialists and the postmillienialists are not both right. (Now it could be that both or all are wrong!)

We could say there is only one correct Theology (with a capital T), but that there are many theologies (with a small t). Every person has a theology. Our goal should be to have our theology as close to Theology as possible.

(Now surely my theology is closer to Theology than yours! Don't we all think that!)

Nuh huh (mines)

 

[Cee]

Great points Chester.

My personal thoughts about this is Truth is a Person. We are in different places in our relationship with this Person. So it's actually possible you might believe something about Him and I might believe something about Him, but both of us be correct because that's what we've been revealed.

I could say Chester is a nice guy. And that's true.
Some one else could say Chester is a funny guy. And that's true too.

But does it mean Chester isn't both a nice and a funny guy?

If someone met Chester and they didn't get along with him, is it true for him to say Chester isn't a nice guy? Well that was his understanding and experience, but the reality is, it all depends on what they know about you Chester. To them all of those statement are true.

However if we are looking at things as absolute in regards to God. I believe Jesus is God is our closest example to perfect theology. Because Jesus is the Invisible made Visible.

In the OT, we have many stories about many men and women.
In the NT, we have one story about one Man.

He is our perfect theology. But there is also a relationship and understanding of who He is.

Example: If I see God is love being the focal point of all Scripture (which I do) then I will interpret through that lens. If I see God is Holy (which He is) being the focal point of all Scripture then I might interpret through that lens. If I believe us being Sons of God and knowing Him as Father, that will be my lens, if I believe Scripture is about the eternal masterpiece of God and showing the principalities and powers that His ways are best, then that will be my lens, all these things are true in Scripture, but the priority we give to each will change our lens.

He is so infinite, He is so majestic, that we are all a unique representation of Him on the Earth, all a part of His Body, and we all are important, we are all cherished, loved, and we all have something to teach about who He is. Either with our words or simply with our lives. We all have a part to play.

Does that mean we will all agree? Nope. In fact, it pretty much means we won't always agree.

Even seeing God through the lens of Jesus is interpretive in nature. We have 4 gospels to show this, each a different aspect of who He is, which is the focal point of Scripture? All of them. But we won't always see it that way.

I believe the reality of us being in Christ to be one of the biggest driving points of Scripture, others don't. The only thing I can do is remember what Paul says about the Lord Himself upholding them. And me not judging them or their relationship with God. Of course there is a caveat even into this idea, which is that we are called to help our brother not stumble. Which in its simplest form is simply to love God and love others, but even that is interpretative. What does it mean to love God and love others? Jesus once again is our perfect model for this answer.

He is the Truth, the Way, and the Life.

But we also must consider ourselves to be fools with each other at times, in order to be wise, we must be willing to be taught, because the Holy Spirit is in each of us. Not that He will contradict Scripture of course, but He will contradict our interpretations of Scripture especially if He wants to bypass our "heads" and pierce our hearts. And isn't the essence of being teachable the ability to let our interpretations be challenged? We do not want to make our traditions make the word of God to no effect like others did before us.

C.

It would be really nice if we did not need to interpret Scripture. Just go by what the Bible says! But as PeterJens points out we all read different things into Scriptures often depending on our background and our own spiritual journeys. And as I think he tries to point out some people use their interpretation of Scripture to cover their own sins and addictions.

But there is only one correct interpretation of every verse and passage. The Calvinists and the Armininians are not both right. The premillenialists and the postmillienialists are not both right. (Now it could be that both or all are wrong!)

We could say there is only one correct Theology (with a capital T), but that there are many theologies (with a small t). Every person has a theology. Our goal should be to have our theology as close to Theology as possible.

(Now surely my theology is closer to Theology than yours! Don't we all think that!)