Personal interpretation clause

[bradwill911]

37​

Great question.

Imagine that your heart and mind are blackboards in a school room. If at all possible I want to start with a clean slate and allow the word of God to write God’s truth into my heart and mind. Unfortunately, when we come to God’s word, our hearts and minds have many writings and ideas about God already written on them. Much of what we were taught as children or what we learned later, right or wrong, is already written there and there is no longer room for the word of God to change us.

As I spend time in God’s word each day, I first want to pray and ask God to remove anything that is contrary to His truth from my heart. “Lord, please help me to have ears to hear Your word and hide your truth in my heart that I may not sin against You.”

So, your indirect answer is “yes”?

Part of what I think is the problem is that non-Catholic usually means anti-Catholic which in turn means that Catholic interpretation of Scripture is inherently wrong. So, if one believes that personal interpretation is authorized, what one actually means is that it is authorized as long as it eventually conforms to one’s tradition or authority.

Follow up question before I head to Mass, if I am starting with a clean state and read Scripture and come to Catholic conclusions, am I still wrong or blindly following church teachings? If a person reads Scripture and comes to Methodist, Baptist, Lutheran, Episcopalian, Presbyterian, etc. conclusions, are they also blindly following church teachings?

 

[BereanRuss]

39​

No, Scripture and traditional Christian understanding together know that when the bible speaks of sexual immorality it means sexual immorality.

The entire book of Hosea was written to Israel as they were rampant in idolatry. Yet God instructed Hosea take a prostitute as his wife. God did this to proclaim in graphic terms that when a person engages in idolatry, it is equivalent to spiritual sexual immorality. Hosea’s marriage became a vivid picture of Israel’s unfaithfulness. Though Hosea loved and cared for his wife, she would not remain faithful to him but sought after other lovers just as Israel did after other Gods in spite of all that God had done for them.

Here are more examples from God’s word:

They say, ‘If a man divorces his wife, And she goes from him And becomes another man’s, May he return to her again?’ Would not that land be greatly polluted? But you have played the harlot with many lovers; Yet return to Me," says the LORD. [Jer 3:1]

…I was crushed by their adulterous heart which has departed from Me, and by their eyes which play the harlot after their idols [Ez 6:9]

I will do these things to you because you have gone as a harlot after the Gentiles, because you have become defiled by their idols. [Ez 23:30]

My people ask counsel from their wooden idols, And their staff informs them. For the spirit of harlotry has caused them to stray, And they have played the harlot against their God. [Has 4:12]

 

[mo3]

Jesus allowed personal interpretation:

And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?” [Luke 10:26]

Jesus is not saying “personally interpret” the scripture and whatever you come up with is OK. Please read the next 2 verses to understand it in context:

Luke 10:27-28 He said in reply, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” He replied to him, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.”

Jesus confirmed he answered correctly. If he had misinterpreted the scripture, Jesus would have corrected him.

Gob bless.

 

[BereanRuss]

…if I am starting with a clean state and read Scripture and come to Catholic conclusions, am I still wrong or blindly following church teachings?

No. If you honestly come to that conclusion by reading God’s word, then I would respect your position. We could talk about how you came to that conclusion but I would respect your conclusion.

The center of the Catholic Religion is the priesthood. Without the priesthood there is no mass or Eucharist – no eternal life.

Only God can establish a priesthood. When God established the OT priesthood He gave every detail concerning it. Chapter after chapter, detail after detail.

However, in the NT we only read of the priesthood of Jesus and of all believers. How is it that such an important part of Christianity is not mentioned in the NT?

You did not honestly come to the conclusion of the necessity of the Catholic priesthood only by reading your Bible. You have been influenced by others.

Then indeed, even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service and the earthly sanctuary. But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation.

 

[PJM]

=BereanRuss;5016667]Jesus allowed personal interpretation:

And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?” [Luke 10:26]

In addition, there are many doctrines that are held by the church that Jesus hates: (Note that Jesus is speaking to His church in this passage)

And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write… I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols… Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds… Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden. [Rev:18…24]

Notice in the above passage that Jesus holds individuals responsible for which doctrines of the church they believe and which doctrines they reject. Those in Thyatira who followed all church doctrine without question are in danger of being cast, “into great tribulation” but those who had discernment in the church are spared any punishment from the Lord.

Note: In the Bible “sexual immorality” is often a reference to the making of idols - not physical relations with another person.

**Friend I’m unclear what your reading?

The Catholic NIV say’s… Rev. 18: "* Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, “So shall Babylon the great city be thrown down with violence, and shall be found no more; 22* and the sound of harpers and minstrels, of flute players and trumpeters, shall be heard in thee no more; and a craftsman of any craft shall be found in thee no more; and the sound of the millstone shall be heard in thee no more; 23* and the light of a lamp shall shine in thee no more; and the voice of bridegroom and bride shall be heard in thee no more; for thy merchants were the great men of the earth, and all nations were deceived by thy sorcery. 24* And in her was found the blood of prophets and of saints, and of all who have been slain on earth.” **

 

[BereanRuss]

Jesus confirmed he answered correctly. If he had misinterpreted the scripture, Jesus would have corrected him.

Right on! And the Holy Spirit will correct us as well.

However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. [John 16:13]

One thing that bothers many Catholics is that Protestants disagree with each other. However, in a living and vibrant family there are always differences of opinion over the little things. If there is a large family with children of all ages and there are no arguments or differences then that is not a living, vibrant family. That family is closer to death than it is to life.

 

[BereanRuss]

Friend I’m unclear what your reading?

Sorry. My bad. It is Chapter 2 of Revelation [Rev 2:18…22] (note that … means that I did not quote the entire passage but only portions of it.)

 

[PJM]

=BereanRuss;5018160]Right on! And the Holy Spirit will correct us as well.

However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. [John 16:13]

One thing that bothers many Catholics is that Protestants disagree with each other. However, in a living and vibrant family there is always differences of opinion over the little things. If there is a large family with children of all ages and there are no arguments or differences then that is not a living, vibrant family. That family is closer to death than it is to life.

Friend that’s nice

Pope Benedict tells us: "there can’t be your truth and my truth or there would be NO TRUTH."

1 Peter 1: “20 First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, 21 because no prophecy ever came by the impulse of man, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.”

Would you be so kind as to share with me the Scripture that say’s anyone may interrupt Sacred Scripture? I can’t seem to locate such authority.

Love and prayers,

 

[diggerdomer]

How can I compare my 'interpretation" of scripture to scripture?

There is no place in the Bible that says “test (or compare) all things to the written word.”

Maybe check 1 Timothy. There are frequent encouragements there to “test” teachings that are apparently being received. The way I read/understand it, it makes sense to interpret this to include written sources (including Scripture) with the things that should be “tested.”

Just a thought.

 

[mo3]

He alone is the supreme Head over the church, not a pope, minister or pastor.

This is a personal interpretation and the words of scripture don’t say this. Nowhere in scripture does it say “not a pope, minister or pastor.” In fact, Pastors are specifically named as those He gave us. Please read the following:

Ephesians 4:11-12 And he gave some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.

Who are the apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers in your church?

The universal Church is the Church that consists of all those who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

This is a personal interpretation and the words of scripture don’t say this. Where in scripture does it say: “a personal relationship with Jesus Christ?”

We see that anyone who believes is part of the body of Christ. The true Church of God is not any particular church building or denomination. The universal Church of God is all those who have received salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

This is a personal interpretation and the words of scripture don’t say this. Christ specifically mentioned a “church.” In Matthew 18:

Matthew 18:15-17 "If your brother sins (against you), go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother. 16 If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that ‘every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church. If he refuses to listen even to the church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector.

Please tell me how you could “tell the church” if the church is “all those who have received salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.” Where could I find all these people in one place? Remember even those who have died and are in heaven, are also members of the body of Christ, since Christ only has one body (not one body in Heaven and one body on earth).

The local church is described in Galatians 1:1-2: “Paul, an apostle…and all the brothers with me, to the churches in Galatia.” Here we see that in the province of Galatia there were many churches—what we call a local church.

He is writing to a local church. Please read the entire chapter and you will see St. Paul is not giving a definition of a local church.

In summary, the Church is not a building or a denomination. According to the Bible, the Church is the Body of Christ—all those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation (John 3:16; 1 Corinthians 12:13).

According to the Bible, the Church is a place where it is humanly possible to “tell the church.” (Matthew 18:17).

Thank you for your consideration. God bless.

 

[BereanRuss]

Would you be so kind as to share with me the Scripture that say’s anyone may interrupt Sacred Scripture? I can’t seem to locate such authority.

Are you sure you looked thoroughly? I’ll tell you what. Why don’t we both spend a few hours this evening honestly searching our Bibles and see if we can find any? Then we can come back tomorrow and post what we found. Deal? If there are none, I will willingly and openly repent of my position. Are you willing to do the same?

 

[mo3]

Right on! And the Holy Spirit will correct us as well.

Is there any place in scripture that says we are “guaranteed” the Holy Spirit will correct us?

One thing that bothers many Catholics is that Protestants disagree with each other.

It only bothers us when we present it as evidence that the disagreements prove that the truth is not there, and people don’t accept this objective evidence. Most Catholics I know love their Protestant brothers and sisters. We work, play and even worship together sometimes.

Thanks for your consideration. God bless.

 

[bradwill911]

The center of the Catholic Religion is the priesthood.

That is entirely untrue. The center of the Catholic faith is Christ.

 

[Jerry_Marino]

I think I understand what you mean here. You take your interpretation of Scripture and test it against your interpretation of other Scripture. Is this what you meant? Do you ever look at other people’s interpretations and commentaries? I am reminded of the Bereans. They tested Paul’s message against the Scriptures that they knew. So which Scriptures were those? Hard to say. I would assume that they used the Greek Septuagint Old Testament if they had anything in writing. If not, it was purely what they had been taught as children.

no that is not what i meant but like you ask about commentaries, yes i look at what you or others might say and i compare it to Scripture, sometimes i don’t get it which is ok cause i don’t think all get it.

 

[donalddon5]

Jesus allowed personal interpretation:

And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?” [Luke 10:26]

In addition, there are many doctrines that are held by the church that Jesus hates: (Note that Jesus is speaking to His church in this passage)

And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write… I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols… Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds… Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden. [Rev:18…24]

Notice in the above passage that Jesus holds individuals responsible for which doctrines of the church they believe and which doctrines they reject. Those in Thyatira who followed all church doctrine without question are in danger of being cast, “into great tribulation” but those who had discernment in the church are spared any punishment from the Lord.

Note: In the Bible “sexual immorality” is often a reference to the making of idols - not physical relations with another person.

 

[Jerry_Marino]

How can I compare my 'interpretation" of scripture to scripture?

There is no place in the Bible that says “test (or compare) all things to the written word.”

do you believe that Jesus died on a Cross?

more than likely you will say yes, then you’d might ask why did He die?

you might say for my sins.

now you have an interpretation of what you read so compare throughout Scripture to see if that John 3:16 goes along with what you might believe and continue on through Scripture and you will find this common thread that Jesus’ purpose was to die on a Cross for our Sins.

God bless you

 

[Jerry_Marino]

Friend that’s nice

Pope Benedict tells us: "there can’t be your truth and my truth or there would be NO TRUTH."

1 Peter 1: “20 First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, 21 because no prophecy ever came by the impulse of man, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.”

Would you be so kind as to share with me the Scripture that say’s anyone may interrupt Sacred Scripture? I can’t seem to locate such authority.

Love and prayers,

you answered your own question with your quote of both benedicto and peter, there is only God’s Truth and only by the Holy Spirit like i’ve said all along. finally someone gets it.

God bless you

 

[donalddon5]

Jesus allowed personal interpretation:

And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?” [Luke 10:26]

In addition, there are many doctrines that are held by the church that Jesus hates: (Note that Jesus is speaking to His church in this passage)

And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write… I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols… Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds… Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden. [Rev:18…24]

Notice in the above passage that Jesus holds individuals responsible for which doctrines of the church they believe and which doctrines they reject. Those in Thyatira who followed all church doctrine without question are in danger of being cast, “into great tribulation” but those who had discernment in the church are spared any punishment from the Lord.

Note: In the Bible “sexual immorality” is often a reference to the making of idols - not physical relations with another person.

"Jesus allowed personal interpretation:

And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?” [Luke 10:26]
"

I do not think that Jesus was asking the man for a personal interpretation…I think Jesus would not need one. He most likely already knew the answer that the man was going to give and therefore knew how to go about with how to help the man in his quest. Or if not this scenario then he may have been testing the man to see if he would answer truthfully, but I prefer the first answer that he already knew. This of course is not an interpretation of what the bible says but my opinion of how I think and of course could be wrong.

“Note: In the Bible “sexual immorality” is often a reference to the making of idols - not physical relations with another person.”

excerpt from: agapebiblestudy.com/Revelation/Chapter%202%20Thyatira.htm

All the guild meetings took place in the pagan temples and the eating of a common meal, the meat of which had been sacrificed to pagan gods, was the accepted practice. In addition to eating meat sacrificed to pagan idols, illicit sexual relations were a central aspect of pagan worship. Most temples had male and female prostitutes who were permanently assigned to serve the temple and its worshipers. Any Christian who worked in a trade faced sever problems. His commitment to Christ and obedience to living a life of holiness as a Christina would affect his livelihood, his acceptance by his peers, and his ability to feed and house his family.

 

[mo3]

do you believe that Jesus died on a Cross?

more than likely you will say yes, then you’d might ask why did He die?

you might say for my sins.

now you have an interpretation of what you read so compare throughout Scripture to see if that John 3:16 goes along with what you might believe and continue on through Scripture and you will find this common thread that Jesus’ purpose was to die on a Cross for our Sins.

God bless you

I agree with what you have said above. THAT"S GOOD!

We have some disagreements with how to interpret what we read in the rest of scripture. I believe scripture is much more complicated than one single message. We must follow the entire gospel and all that Jesus commanded us to do.

God bless.

 

[BereanRuss]

Most Catholics I know love their Protestant brothers and sisters. We work, play and even worship together sometimes.

Mo3,

I would enjoy fellowship with you or any Catholic. Most of my family remains Catholic, especially on my wife’s side. But I find that I am unable to enjoy fellowship with most Catholics I meet. We are good friends and we love each other but there is no genuine fellowship. (Yes, I know, it is most likely my fault.)

Fellowship requires truth. Can two walk together unless they agree? And there are some things that we just can’t come together on.

For example, salvation is the gift of God and cannot be attained by works. This is major subject of the New Testament. If salvation can be attained by my works, then I can boast in my salvation but God will never let me boast in anything but the cross of Jesus. If a person can add anything to their own salvation then God is indebted to them but God will never be a debtor to any man. We are in debt to Him not vice versa.

So, yes, I would love to find some common ground but if it does not begin with the grace of God I doubt that there can be any to be found at all.

And yes, the verse I quoted guarantees that the Spirit will correct us. When Jesus says that something will happen, it is guaranteed to happen. You can’t see that truth in the words of Jesus in that verse? I pray you are not that blind.