Sometimes some folks think that if you have a different understanding of the Bible, then you are just offering your opinion. The Jehovah's Witness's say that the word Trinity is not in the Bible, so you shouldn't believe in it (to be fair, they have other reasons they don't believe in it).
The Mormon's say they believe the Bible, as far as it is correctly translated. So should everyone; the problem is that it only seems incorrect when it disagrees with their theology.
If you offer reasons for believing something is from the Bible, proper Bible interpretation involves several aspects to help defend against the accusation or the pitfall of taking things out of context and saying something is Biblical when it is just your opinion.
Stand to Reason has an article that deals a bit with the objection of "that's just your interpretation" that may shed some light here. Not every interpretation is valid, just because people have dfifferent views. Koukl suggests that it is not enough just to object in this way, because the objector also has an interpretation that may or may not be true.
What one needs to do is not raise that objection but point out why my interpretation does not naturally follow from the words of the text. [Why someone may think another is mistaken in their view-examples and reasons] This is what most of the discourse was in the first call and I thought it was fine conversation because each of us was trying to defend our own sense of the text from the words of the text itself and using other information. This is very important when dealing with points of view that are different than classical Christianity, as we addressed earlier. [Emphasis mine]
When addressing a specific passage of Scripture or a concept, such as the Trinity, salvation, end times or even proper judgement, it has been said you need 3 things.
1. Context
2. Context
3. Context
Context is so key. We must look at not only what the words say, but try to understand what they would have meant in Biblical times, what the author's purpose was, what the context of discussion was going on, etc... It has been stated many times that anyone can justify anything using the Bible.
That is true, if you take things from their proper context. One must look at the whole of Scripture because if you don't and you try to say one thing using Scripture, someone else may contradict you using Scripture. Since the Bible never contradicts itself, someone's (or both) understanding is incorrect. This can be remedied by allowing others to challenge our views.
If I'm wrong, I'm wrong; but it is not enough to simply say that I am. It is not enough to say, you're wrong...yeah, you are... yeah huh. Otherwise the argument degrades into childhood bullying; who's stronger or louder. Offer specific examples and reasons .
I'll conclude with a quote from Koukl's article:"But my goal is to discuss intelligently with an aim to discover that which is true and right and good objectively, something that is out there that is true and right and good, something that we can both discover."
This seems a noble goal. And it applies well when we are sharing the Word of God. Be careful for your context: This can clear up many problems. What do you think? Is my interpretation wrong? :-) What is your interpretation?
Derrick
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7 comments:
I completely agree with what you are saying. But, I think that it can be really hard to look at the context and then interpret because we are not trained to do that for the most part. I think that it is more common to open the bible, point to a verse, and use it as a type of daily horoscope. I just don't think that enough emphasis is placed on critically analyzing the bible text in the "Christian society."
I think it only seems difficult. I think many Bibles come with some sort of study material even if it is just an introduction to each book. If your Bible does not have that, it would be a good purchase.
Also, in many cases, it is not difficult to look at the context. Stand to Reason has a good philosophy; Never Read a Bible Verse.
When we encounter someone saying this verse means this, the best thing to do is to actually open your Bible to that verse and read the verse and read before and after. Read at least a paragragh or more and that can get rid of many contextual misunderstandings.
Read the passage. Don't quote it if you are not sure if you are using it to mean something it may not.
The Bible can never mean what it never meant. It is not up for our own personal interpretation. We must back up our understanding with the proper context.
Tracy, I meant to comment on your comment that it is "more common to open the bible, point to a verse, and use it as a type of daily horoscope".
I think this is a common mistake with many claiming Christians, and it is more superstitious than a search for truth and understanding.
Well said,
Derrick
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Why is everything at blogger.com showing up in French nowadays?
...Anyway, Derrick, I've been thinking. After reflecting on the many, many writings I've done and posted to the Web in different forums, and after reflecting on my academic work and other things I've said or done, I realize that much of it is not focused. There is a certain lack of expertise to some of it, and there is a certain “dyslexic” character to some of it also.
Hate to sound negative, but something similar seems to be at work in your blog. For example, the title of the post “Just Your Opinion” seems only distantly-related to the message of the post itself.
So here is a suggestion from one imperfect person to another person: tighten the message. The tagline of this blog says:
<<Encouraging the open expression of thoughts, ideas, questions, and discussions related to the Christian worldview and seeing that Christianity IS worth thinking about.>>
How about getting back to basics and starting from there? What is “the Christian worldview” in the first place? What is Christianity in the first place? And if these things are truthful or veridical, then what are the best first steps in telling people who do not accept them that they are truthful or accurate?
Kwame, I never had any problem with French stuff. :-)
Kwame said: Hate to sound negative, but something similar seems to be at work in your blog. For example, the title of the post “Just Your Opinion” seems only distantly-related to the message of the post itself.
Part of that is purposeful (the title) and part of it has to do with my own style known as "highly distractable". Though, in all seriousness, I can absolutely agree that much of my writing is not focused. I have gotten better, but I have far to go. I don't find that negative, either, because it is good for an "outsider" to sometimes let me know where I can improve. You may see a spot I might not.
Kwame said, "So here is a suggestion from one imperfect person to another person: tighten the message."
I like that.
Kwame said: "How about getting back to basics and starting from there? What is “the Christian worldview” in the first place? What is Christianity in the first place? And if these things are truthful or veridical, then what are the best first steps in telling people who do not accept them that they are truthful or accurate?
I will work on trying to get a clearer focus and a tighter message. Though, to be honest, I am getting tired. And it takes work for this. I do not know if I can hang on to the 500-post goal-I am not even halfway there. I like your ideas and I will look to integrating them into the blog. Thanks Kwame
Derrick
I can see how this would be utilized. An example would be Matthew 7, 1-6. Interpretation would be difficult to discern if only using that one Scripture. The audience of Jesus at the time was specific? Is that correct?
The Matthew passage is very often taken out of context, which I have addressed at length in other passages. 2 quick points.
1) Just after "Do not judge", in the same verses you bring up, Jesus says "you hypocrites", so the context seems to show he was talking to hypocrites not to judge.
2) The Bible tells us in other places to judge and discern, so there must be something more. I made a case for this in the 3 part "Case for Judging".
We must look at context and the whole of Scripture. I hope that answers your question.
Derrick
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