Interpretation of the Bible

[Shibboleth]

St Veronica:

Actually according to new stats out, there are now over 30 thousand denominations…lots of popes out there!SV

May I ask where you got those statistics?

 

[Shibboleth]

ntrmin.org/30000denominations.htm

ntrmin.org/30000denominationsrevisited.htm

 

[GoodME]

I believe that Scripture is clear on instructing against individual discernment. One of the roles reserved for the Church is the discernment and teaching of what is found in Scripture.

It is a dangerous game to read Scripture as an individual, and decide what it means in a vacuum, without the benefit of bouncing the meaning discerned off of others.

Having experience in some other “Christian” forums out there in the world, I can tell you with certainty that left to their own devices and skills, some people can come up with some awfully bizarre beliefs that they believe are conveyed by Scripture.

The importance of interpreting in light of oral tradition is extermely important, and again, emphasizes the importance of accepting teaching from the authority (read that both “leader and enforcer” and “great knowledge”) of the Church, as described in Scriptures.

 

[St_Veronica]

Shibboleth:

May I ask where you got those statistics?

forums.catholic-convert.com/viewtopic.php?t=17106

It’s on this thread…I believe it’s several pages into the thread…there is a link on the first page…but that’s not the one I’m talking about.

SV

 

[montanaman]

You’ve got to hand it to homer–while he never sticks around to defend his positions; rather, he shoots and runs–he at least has the courage to come here periodically and jump into the den of rabid Catholics.

Keep it up, homer! Stick around for the rest of the debate and you’ll find a richness and depth in Christianity you’ve never before experienced.

 

[srkbdk]

VociMike:

First of all (and somebody correct me if I’m wrong), there’s no rule whatsoever against individuals interpreting the bible. The only problem arises when our interpretation conflicts with Church teaching. At that point we submit to the Church to the appropriate degree depending on the “firmness” of the teaching in question (dogma, doctrine, all the way down to no position).

When two Protestants interpret the bible differently in a key area, which one (if either) is right? They will both claim inspiration by the Holy Spirit, of course. That’s the fundamental problem, which is only solved by yielding to the authority of the Church.

Thanks for say this.