Personal interpretation clause

[bradwill911]

I was reading through a few non-Catholic denominational “beliefs” (aka, man made traditions) and one that struck me was that some allow each person to interpret the Scriptures. What I’m wondering is that when there is a case where two people, being led by the Holy Spirit, come across a verse and receive two completely different interpretations, who is right? Who decides?

I’m also wondering if a believer interprets the Bible and ends up with a Catholic interpretation, is that declared wrong? Just curious.

Peace.

 

[Randy_Carson]

I was reading through a few non-Catholic denominational “beliefs” (aka, man made traditions) and one that struck me was that some allow each person to interpret the Scriptures. What I’m wondering is that when there is a case where two people, being led by the Holy Spirit, come across a verse and receive two completely different interpretations, who is right? Who decides?

I’m also wondering if a believer interprets the Bible and ends up with a Catholic interpretation, is that declared wrong? Just curious.

Peace.

You mean if a Baptist is sitting in Sunday School and states that he has studied his Bible and come to the conclusion that baptism of infants is proper and that it is necessary for salvation and not merely symbolic?

You’re wondering how long it will be before the elders of that congregation ask him to fellowship elsewhere?

 

[bradwill911]

You mean if a Baptist is sitting in Sunday School and states that he has studied his Bible and come to the conclusion that baptism of infants is proper and that it is necessary for salvation and not merely symbolic?

You’re wondering how long it will be before the elders of that congregation ask him to fellowship elsewhere?

Or if a person comes to the conclusion that Peter is the Rock or whatever. I’m guessing that you have some experience with this very thing?

I’m not sure if “Catch-22” is the appropriate description, but this is what I understand:

1. Personal interpretation is allowed
2. Your interpretation is as good as mine
3. As long as your interpretation is the same as mine

Who decides which Holy Spirit to believe? And when that decision is made, are you then following man-made tradition?

 

[diggerdomer]

1. Personal interpretation is allowed
2. Your interpretation is as good as mine
3. As long as your interpretation is the same as mine

Who decides which Holy Spirit to believe? And when that decision is made, are you then following man-made tradition?

From a Catholic point of view imho:

1. Yes
2. maybe
3. no

The Church.

Not necessarily.

 

[NHInsider]

I was reading through a few non-Catholic denominational “beliefs” (aka, man made traditions) and one that struck me was that some allow each person to interpret the Scriptures. What I’m wondering is that when there is a case where two people, being led by the Holy Spirit, come across a verse and receive two completely different interpretations, who is right? Who decides?

I’m also wondering if a believer interprets the Bible and ends up with a Catholic interpretation, is that declared wrong? Just curious.

Peace.

I once sat in an inter-denominational Bible Study, most of the participants being very low-church evangelicals, and watched these 15 women over the course of three hours reconstruct from Scripture the doctrine of purgatory. Of course they didn’t CALL it that! The one other Catholic participant and I kept exchanging knowing glances - it was pretty amusing, in a way.

What happens in this kind of situation depends very much on the participants and the context. Since the group I was sitting in was made of up people who were members of differenct congregations, each went away with her new understanding of Scripture - whether any of them went on to discuss it with others I don’t know. If within an individual congregation two or three people come to a different interpretation than the majority or the pastor, it can and often does lead to a split within the congregation.

There is also, of course, a hierarchy of Truths which is recognized by our Protestant brethren as well as our Church - not every difference of interpretation suggests a change in an essential doctrine. We can agree to disagree without condemning one another (or at least we should be able to:shrug

 

[thechristian]

There is only one way to interpet scripture and that is thru prayer and guidence from the holy spirit and that comes thru faith in christ jesus. The spirit will lead you into all truth,
without the spirits guidence there always be personel interpentations of scripture.

God loves you…God bless

 

[donalddon5]

I really admire you given that you were raised catholic. Knowing what I know today, I would be willing to give my right arm to have been in your shoe and I do mean literally.
I did not read your post entirely but the first couple of sentences caught my attention and I was anxious to reply. I myself was raised up (brought up) as a protestant(non-denominational) that is a speaking in tongues, healing type of church or basically similar to holiness or Pentecostal style churches. As you can imagine, growing up I heard a lot about the Holy Spirit and a lot of people try to convinced me what the Holy Spirit was. Especially the belief that in order to speak in tongues one must have received the Holy Spirit(obviously these people never went to library and research the matter or they would have known different–because even the Muslim holy man and Voodoo religions can do this, including healing). Any way to make long, long stories(yes, intentionally plural) short. I did received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit in Naval Communication Station Harold E Holt and I will tell you this it did not make me jump around and start speaking in tongues…it was the most peaceful experience ever imagine and I will also witness this to you no tongue could fully describe it. Any ways again, 15 or 17 years later after going through pure HELL on some occasions, I was finally led to the Roman Catholic Church (still have not join 10 years later-today) by a fellow who said nothing more to me then I ought to check out the theology section when I mention a dream I had before a test at Gulf Coast Community College during a conversation prior to class commencement. Oh yea, the dream concern how I remember something to do with the class and it was also the extra bonus question on the test–a prophecy indeed–ever how small. Guess what I wanted to tell you is this: No matter how anyone tries to persuade you the Holy Roman Catholic Church is where the Holy Spirit lead me and knowing what the baptism is really about in its’ fullness, I think I am well qualified to say that you will only find it in the Holy Roman Catholic Church and do not let the Devil or those who helps him knowing or unknowing tell you different. Hang in there and if you need some encouragement I would suggest this site as well as the one you are on:
agapebiblestudy.com/Revelation/Chapter%203%20Sardis.htm

The reason that I suggest the above site is because it shows the suffering of our Fore-Family.

God Bless You.

 

[donalddon5]

The above was partially meant for someone else…so if the part about being Catholic does not apply then disregard that part. Thank you.

 

[mo3]

There is only one way to interpet scripture and that is thru prayer and guidence from the holy spirit and that comes thru faith in christ jesus. The spirit will lead you into all truth,without the spirits guidence there always be personel interpentations of scripture.

God loves you…God bless

Is there any place in scripture that says “there is only one way to interpret scripture and that is thru prayer and guidance from the holy spirit and that comes thru faith in Christ Jesus?” No.

This sounds good but it is not in scripture and in practice it doesn’t work. There is no place in scripture that says you are “guaranteed” to get the true interpretation of scripture if you “believe” you are guided by the Holy Spirit.

About 50% of Protestants believe in baptism and the other 50% don’t. All Protestants believe they are guided by the Holy Spirit. How can 50% of them disagree on such a basic teaching? This is proof in itself.

How about a Church that is guided by the Holy Spirit as promised by Jesus Christ?

 

[SSTeacher]

I was reading through a few non-Catholic denominational “beliefs” (aka, man made traditions) and one that struck me was that some allow each person to interpret the Scriptures. What I’m wondering is that when there is a case where two people, being led by the Holy Spirit, come across a verse and receive two completely different interpretations, who is right? Who decides?

Based upon what I’ve experienced and observed in Evangelical circles, they would each decide for themselves and politely agree to differ.:slapfight:

I’m also wondering if a believer interprets the Bible and ends up with a Catholic interpretation, is that declared wrong? Just curious.

Most Evangelicals of my acquaintance would probably have to be told by their pastor or Sunday school teacher that a particular interpretation was Catholic. Once that became known I guess the interpretation might well become suspect.:tsktsk:

Ecumenically,
Mick

 

[donalddon5]

Just re-read your comments. Sorry about witnessing when I should have been debating. I click on more then one link that was on my email and after reading the other, yours must have pop up. Any ways going forward:
You propose some very good questions. I certainly can not speak for the Church at this point and time but I most certainly can relate my interpretations of what my experiences have been through life dealing with such matters as your questions proposed.

First question which was more like a statement led by two questions. I for one will never believe that protestants are lead by the Holy Spirit much less receive an interpretation of scripture. But now let us take for example that two non-Catholic were in Communion with ROME(orthodox for example) and did in fact had the same relationship as your question propose. If in fact they were both led by the Holy Spirit, it would be very dumb to answer your question of who was right because by the very nature of the HOLY SPIRIT you can not possibly be wrong.
Your next question of course can be answer more in a less predefined answer. I would say that if he keeps getting the same answer as the Roman Catholic interpretation then he is indeed most likely led by the Holy Spirit and that in return would make him a True Believer but your question was kind of misleading because by the nature of your question you are saying that one is a believer if he has a different interpretation then the Catholic.
Am I right?

 

[bradwill911]

First question which was more like a statement led by two questions. I for one will never believe that protestants are lead by the Holy Spirit much less receive an interpretation of scripture.

I, for the most part, agree. I believe they cannot be led by the Holy Spirit IF their interpretations are contrary to Catholic doctrine.

your question was kind of misleading because by the nature of your question you are saying that one is a believer if he has a different interpretation then the Catholic.
Am I right?

I’m assuming you are asking whether I believe that once can be a “believer” and not a Catholic. Yes, I think that one can be a non-Catholic Christian. As the Catechism says (838), “Those ‘who believe in Christ and have been properly baptized are put in a certain, although imperfect, communion with the Catholic Church.’” My original point is that 2 individuals can read a passage and come to completely different conclusions while both professing and believing that they were guided by the Holy Spirit. In this scenario, if they are in agreement with the Catholic Church, their interpretations are quickly disregarded (Can’t be right, too Catholic). If they are not Catholic interpretations, but still disagree, who is right (from a Protestant perspective)? The answer, I believe, depends on which man made Protestant tradition they are following. If pride runs too deep, the one who is declared wrong, according to their tradition, just goes and opens a new church and we have another denomination.

 

[mvorines]

Anything that causes disunity among us doesn’t come from God. As we all know, having different interpretations of the Bible disunites us. There is one authority when it comes to explaining every single word in the Bible–the Catholic Church, lead by the Pope and guided by the Holy Spirit. There is only one Truth and the Pope is the guardian of that Truth. We cannot say that all personal interpretations come from the Holy Spirit because interpretations differ and cause disunity and confusion. When there is disunity and confusion, there is no peace. When there is no peace, then the Evil One is at work.

Let us stay united with the Pope and his Magisterium. Let us be one with the Catholic Church. Let us be one–like Jesus Christ and the Father are one.

God bless us all!

 

[donalddon5]

bradwill911:
Now that you had relied upon authority (CCC), it thus ends my argument.

 

[Jerry_Marino]

Anything that causes disunity among us doesn’t come from God. As we all know, having different interpretations of the Bible disunites us. There is one authority when it comes to explaining every single word in the Bible–the Catholic Church, lead by the Pope and guided by the Holy Spirit. There is only one Truth and the Pope is the guardian of that Truth. We cannot say that all personal interpretations come from the Holy Spirit because interpretations differ and cause disunity and confusion. When there is disunity and confusion, there is no peace. When there is no peace, then the Evil One is at work.

Let us stay united with the Pope and his Magisterium. Let us be one with the Catholic Church. Let us be one–like Jesus Christ and the Father are one.

God bless us all!

then you are being led by the pope and magisterium vs being led by the Holy Spirit.

But since Sacred Scripture is inspired, there is another and no less important principle of correct interpretation, without which Scripture would remain a dead letter. "Sacred Scripture must be read and interpreted in the light of the same Spirit by whom it was written.

 

[bradwill911]

then you are being led by the pope and magisterium vs being led by the Holy Spirit.

But since Sacred Scripture is inspired, there is another and no less important principle of correct interpretation, without which Scripture would remain a dead letter. "Sacred Scripture must be read and interpreted in the light of the same Spirit by whom it was written.

You probably already know this is our belief, but I’m going to present it here anyways. We are being led by the Pope and Magisterium when it comes to interpretation. The Pope and Magisterium are being led by the Holy Spirit. That means that we are, in turn, being led by the Holy Spirit.

You are, on the other hand, believing that you are being led by the Holy Spirit, but when there is a disagreement on Scripture interpretation, you can’t both be following the Holy Spirit. In cases like this, you either allow an elder (or whatever) make the decision or you agree to disagree. When human pride gets in the way, you go and start another denomination (38,000 and counting).

You are, by default, also following the Pope and Magisterium since it was their authority that decided which books to include in Sacred Scripture.

Peace.

 

[Jerry_Marino]

ALL my brother, all should be led by the Spirit.

But since Sacred Scripture is inspired, there is another and no less important principle of correct interpretation, without which Scripture would remain a dead letter. "Sacred Scripture must be read and interpreted in the light of the same Spirit by whom it was written.

in bold is the result of one who is not being led by the Spirit.

God bless you

 

[PJM]

=bradwill911;4975204]I was reading through a few non-Catholic denominational “beliefs” (aka, man made traditions) and one that struck me was that some allow each person to interpret the Scriptures. What I’m wondering is that when there is a case where two people, being led by the Holy Spirit, come across a verse and receive two completely different interpretations, who is right? Who decides?

I’m also wondering if a believer interprets the Bible and ends up with a Catholic interpretation, is that declared wrong? Just curious.

Peace.

Perhaps my friend the word “correct” rather than “right” might be easier to expalin.

There is only “ONE CORRECT” understanding of what the bible means and that is the interpretation of the RCC, who is guided by the Holy Spirit.

Before I attempt to share my opinion on your excellent question, I would point out that their are many verses such as Mt. 16:18-20, and Jn, 20:23, which have but a single truthful understanding. So great and prayerful care is to be taken in attempting to obtain from the Holy Spirit, a personall message.

Indeed, one may, can and will receive personal messages and understanding of many verses by careful and PRAYERFUL reading or hearing of the bible messages.

Often the Holy Spirit will respond to events in your life and give you the guidence you seek.

Be aware of your emotions as you read the bible; anytime you feel “something” joy, sadness, love, anger, fustration, or peace,** reread carefully and if possible outloud**, that passage that has caused you to experience “something.” Than ask youself.“what did I just hear?” Think and pray about it before going on.

Our God is not only a Loving God, He is a VERY PERSONAL LOVING GOD!

It is a good idea to always ask the Holy Spirit to open ones ears, eyes, heart and understanding, before reading or listening to God’s Holy Word. Expect God to talk to your mind, your heart, or your spirit.

It is in this way that two people sitting side by side, lisening to the same verse being read; "hear (feel) two different messages. Both are right, but both may have seperate meaning and application to your lives in the present moment.

Any gained understanding that conforms to what the Catholic Church teaches is the proper understanding of Scripture cannot be wrong or in error. Such an understanding, is a direct grace, a direct gift from God

BE STILL AND KNOW!

Love and prayers,

 

[mo3]

ALL my brother, all should be led by the Spirit.

True but how do you determine who is correct when many people believe they are being led by the Holy Spirit but have many different “interpretations” of what scripture means?

"Sacred Scripture must be read and interpreted in the light of the same Spirit by whom it was written.

True but how do you know whose interpretation is correct? Scripture is not self-interpreting and there is no place in scripture that says you are “guaranteed” to get the true interpretation of scripture if you “believe” you are guided by the Holy Spirit.

 

[PJM]

mo3;5011103]True but how do you determine who is correct when many people believe they are being led by the Holy Spirit but have many different “interpretations” of what scripture means?

True but how do you know whose interpretation is correct? Scripture is not self-interpreting and there is no place in scripture that says you are “guaranteed” to get the true interpretation of scripture if you “believe” you are guided by the Holy Spirit.

You ask a very important question.

The major drawback in personal interptation is the likeliness of entent to advance ones personal position, rather than an truly independent, understanding of the the reading.

If in doubt, refer to a good Concordance. For Catholics and Non-catholics alike, two should be used. Perhaps Haydocks Catholic Comentary, and Matthew Henrey’s Protestant Comentary, both available on line.

I know of no test that affirms that the Holy Spirit is actually and actively involved short of knowing for yourself, the truth of the matter.

If in doubt, always seek anothers opinion. Also, many bibles provided a limited translation as well.

Love and prayers,