"Why are there so many different Christian interpretations? If all Christians have th

[lak611]

I take it from this that you believe the Bible is the living breathing Word of God.

So I just have to ask: how can a printed document, no matter how inspired, live and breathe? That’s something only a creature can do, and the Bible is not a creature.

See, the Bible cannot stand up and say, “Hey! You misinterpreted me!” A living, breathing person, however, can tell you you’ve misinterpreted what is written.

That’s why we need human beings endowed with authority from God to tell us when we’ve misinterpreted scripture. We need them to tell us when, even if we’ve convinced ourselves we’re guided by the Holy Spirit, that our interpretation is not a correct one. That is why scripture alone is not enough. That is why we need a Magisterium.

I think in many cases it depends a lot on how well we learn our faith. I read the Bible all the time, and I have never had an instance where my interpretation conflicted with official Catholic teaching. I just read the Bible, but so far I have never had to consult books on Catholic dogma in order to make sure I had the right interpretation. For example, when I read John 6, I understand that Jesus is talking about the Eucharist as really being His Body and Blood, not something symbolic. I can refer to the Catechism, the Early Church Fathers, or other official Catholic documents for apologetics purposes, but I understand just from reading the Scriptures what they mean.

 

[Kay_Cee]

Hi,

Hebrews 4:11-13 (New American Standard Bible)

11Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience.

**12For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. **
13And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.

Of course the bible(book)itself is not living. It is the words in it. The words were written by a God who lives. When people read the Words of God(bible) it changes them. Christians are proof of a living God(in the way it changes and affects people) The bible is not just a story but the way God spoke to every generation until the end. So the words live on and constantly change people. Forever and Ever until Christ comes back and Reigns FOREVER. AMEN!!!

You said living and breathing.

And you’ve assumed the word of God is limited to that which is written down. I would say the word of God is living and breathing through the Magisterium. How else could it judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart? A book can’t make judgments.

I have a question I would like to ask. Do all Christians have the authority to interpret scripture?

 

[Mannyfit75]

You said living and breathing.

I have a question I would like to ask. Do all Christians have the authority to interpret scripture?

As Catholic, I don’t believe all Christians have an authority to intepret Scripture. The Bible doesn’t support it. Clearly, Peter said the following:

And count the forbearance of our Lord as salvation. And so also our beloved brother Paul wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, speaking of this, as he does in all his letters. There are some things in them hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other scriptures. --2 Peter 3:15-16

Protestantism states that the Bible can be read easily. However, the Bible warns that self-intrepretation is not easy to understand.

There is only one authority who can intrepret Scripture, and this is Jesus Christ’s Church, which is the Catholic Church.

The Bible need to read in the light of the teachings of the Church. It cannot be the other way around.

 

[mrs_abbott]

That very same Church.

Where though? A book? A priest?

 

[happygal]

Hm well i guess, everyone reads bible but interpret the bible to the whole church congregration is not a church members can do. However when doing a personal reading and mediatation, we hope to receive God revelation to us from his word. It happened to me couple of time. I’m not a bible reader previously and also don’t bother with Christianity when i just received Jesus and during that particular period i’m having relationship problem with my boyfriend and quarreled each and everytime we met before church service (be it trival of serious issues) and guess what, God’s speaks to us through his words, coz when both of us got really heated up, we will tend to flip to a particular verse that talks about anger or resentment, even when the bible throw on the floor and open wide, the verse on anger keep poping to us…both myself and my BF was shocked, initially both of us thought , na coincidence…but it happened everytime…thus is not a coincidence for us anymore. Becoz God speaks to us and wanted us to stop quarrelling

God’s words apply to everyone and helpful to our daily life practise, a principles lay down for us to follow. However interpretation it for church would be another different story. Thus i do not agree to pple who interpret the bible and challenges others on what he/she understands, coz if it was meant for the public understanding then the interpretation can solely comes from the church and not us, else we don’t even need to go church for service…

 

[Larry1700]

So since some biblical interpretations are more vague than others, are we supposed to rely on the Catholic Church to guide us? There’s no other possible way to know the Truth?
I’m asking Catholics to explain this to me, please.

I was a Baptist until age 22. Even when I was a kid, I felt something was odd about the belief that the Holy Spirit will help EACH INDIVIDUAL understand the Word of God. I always wondered: ONE Word of God + ONE Holy Spirit to guide us to understand it = MANY different interpretations ?!?!?
How was I to know which interpretation was correct?

It was not until I read the Bible more deeply that I finally understood. Jesus passed His authority to Peter. Peter was the head of the Apostles. In Acts, there is evidence for apostolic succession through the generations via the laying on of hands. Do priests and bishops sometimes err? Yes. You can see the problem from the beginning, because many of Paul’s letters are written to settle disagreements. It was clear that there is only one Truth, and individual communities (Corinth, Ephesus, etc.) were not permitted to teach error. Priests and bishops must try to stay in communion with the leader of the church (Pope) who was granted authority traceable back to Jesus. WHAT A GREAT LOAD WAS LIFTED FROM MY SHOULDERS! Yes, as a Baptist, I place primary emphasis on the Bible. If it’s not provable via scripture, I cannot accept it. Papal authority IS provable via scripture “He who rejects you, rejects me,” and “Whose sins you forgive are forgiven, and whose sins you do not forgive are not forgiven.” When I read something in Scripture that I don’t understand, I have the Catechism (promulgated by the Pope), as well as papal encyclicals, etc., to help me to understand it. As a Baptist, I had several problems, one of which was that some scriptures appeared to contradict others. As a Catholic, employing the teaching authority provided by Jesus, my eyes have been open to the fullness of the Word of God in all its beauty!

 

[ncgolf]

Well, as far as my minister goes I cant give you a specific example because he has not said anything I disagree with. If anyone else has in the church I wouldnt know unless it becomes public knowledge. His standard is the bible. All that he hears from a source other then the bible , he sifts through Scripture. His standard is the living breathing Word of God.

I guess I will ask it less ambigously … how could he be wrong in his interpretation? If he is a minister I am sure he is knowlegable so I think the most you could say is people did not agree with his interpretation. There is no standard of rightness or wrongess or did I miss something here? This only holds if he was making an interpretation though … I assume he was making an interpretation.

 

[ALLFORHIM]

I guess I will ask it less ambigously … how could he be wrong in his interpretation? If he is a minister I am sure he is knowlegable so I think the most you could say is people did not agree with his interpretation. There is no standard of rightness or wrongess or did I miss something here? This only holds if he was making an interpretation though … I assume he was making an interpretation.

The standard is the bible. Yes I guess we could disagree on itrepretation–which mankind has been doing forever. The Jews do it also. I have a few Jewish friends and when I ask them a question they are like well which Jewish tradition are you talking about. So it has been done since the begining. So I would assume it wouldnt stop now.

When we read the bible we all make intrepretations. You make your intrepretation based on what the CC says. I make mine based on what the bible says and then I do see if it checks out with what other christians believe. We all depend to a certain extent on a higher teaching authority(Someone who know more then us) I trust my church just like you trust yours.

More importantly though I trust what the HS is teaching me. By having the HS in me is the only possible way I can understand the bible anyway. Before the Lord saved me, I tried to read the bible and I didnt have a clue. Now that I have the HS in me–it is like a lightbulb went off, my eyes were not blinded anymore and now I understand when I read.
Im sure you have had the same experiences.

 

[MrS]

The standard is the bible.

When we read the bible we all make intrepretations. You make your intrepretation based on what the CC says. I make mine based on what the bible says and then I do see if it checks out with what other christians believe. We all depend to a certain extent on a higher teaching authority(Someone who know more then us) I trust my church just like you trust yours.

More importantly though I trust what the HS is teaching me. By having the HS in me is the only possible way I can understand the bible anyway. Before the Lord saved me, I tried to read the bible and I didnt have a clue. Now that I have the HS in me–it is like a lightbulb went off, my eyes were not blinded anymore and now I understand when I read.
Im sure you have had the same experiences.

I see what you are saying… you are not alone.

The Catholic Church, however, is empowered (alone) to guard the fullness of faith… The Holy Spirit will/is leading the Catholic Church into the fullness of Truth (promised by Jesus to the Church alone)

Our standard is Jesus Christ and what He taught. The Bible is, quite simply, OUR support evidence.

As for checking out what other Christians believe… all fine and good. Many other christians have a belief in some, only some, of the fullness of the Truth.

Perhaps greater weight should be given to “other” Christians - the Catholic …
who are the only original Christians,

who are subject (whether we like it or not) to the only authoritative body of teachers Jesus left behind.

who are the source of the Bible you hold as your standard,(and 7 other books too)

 

[Kay_Cee]

I have a question I would like to ask. Do all Christians have the authority to interpret scripture?

I was hoping AFH would answer the question since it was directed at her.

It’s a simple yes/no question.

 

[StevenFrancis]

On the essentials, the Bible is abundantly clear. There is nothing ambiguous about the deity of Christ, the reality of heaven and hell, and salvation by grace through faith. On some issues of less import, however, the teaching of scripture is less clear, and this naturally leads to different interpretations. For example, we have no direct biblical command governing the frequency of communion or the structure of church government or the style of music to use. Honest, sincere Christians can have various interpretations of the passages concerning these peripheral issues.

The important thing is to be dogmatic where scripture is and to avoid being dogmatic where scripture is not. Churches today should strive to follow the model left us by the early church in Jerusalem: “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). There was unity in the early church because they were steadfast in the apostles’ doctrine. There will be unity in the church again when we get back to the apostles’ doctrine and forego the other doctrines, fads, and gimmicks that have crept in.

THE END

This is excellent, and thankfully, God in his wisdom left us the apostles who set up a church to keep things straight throughout time. To preserve the apostolic traditions as well as the scripture. To provide un unerring authority for the interpretation of scripture. This WAS done, and that apostolic charter is still alive today. It is the Church established by Jesus, the Lamb of God, through Peter, then set up, and passed on in unending succession since Christ walked among us as man. It was to the Church and her first trusted pilgrims that the Holy Gospel was transmitted by the Holy Ghost. Rejoice, ALLFOR HIM. Jesus knew of your possible concerns 2000 years before you were even born, and left a guardian Church to protect everthing so you would not need to fear the truth being interpreted individually. Unfortunately, many people left and started doing just that, and developing their own “churches” without the protection of God’s Word AND apostolic tradition and succession, which has caused much confusion and contrary debate. But it’s okay!! The Church is still here protecting everything so that we can all return home to her. All the wayward revisionists are just going through a rebellious phase, like teenage children who have run away from home. Their parents, (the Catholic Church), are waiting for them to to return with wide, loving open arms in the fullness of time. Until then, peace be with you.

 

[ncgolf]

When we read the bible we all make intrepretations. You make your intrepretation based on what the CC says. I make mine based on what the bible says and then I do see if it checks out with what other christians believe.

What the CC makes interpretations without the Bible … no. But anyway from where I sit I do not disagree that personal interpretation will lead to part of the truth but I do not think it can lead to the fullness of the truth. Why after guidance from the HS do you need to seek confirmation from other Christians? The CC when making a statement regarding fatih depends on the HS to guide but after making the statement never depends on validation from other sources. The CC makes with full confidence such statements … for example the Immaculate Conception. This is not a debate on the dogma of the Immaculate Conception but rather a statement that when the Church pronounces such statements it changes from a question … an unknown to something revealed … a truth.

 

[Kay_Cee]

I apologize for taking so long to get back to this discussion, but my computer had major problems and had to go in for repairs. I’ve only gotten back on line yesterday.

I asked AFH a question which I was sure would have been answered in the meantime, but perhaps she didn’t see it.

Do all Christians have the authority to interpret scripture?

It’s a simple yes/no question.

 

[water]

When we read the bible we all make intrepretations. You make your intrepretation based on what the CC says. I make mine based on what the bible says and then I do see if it checks out with what other christians believe. We all depend to a certain extent on a higher teaching authority(Someone who know more then us) I trust my church just like you trust yours.

I think you are partially correct. When I study the Bible, it is just not me alone - but together with the Church.

If you believe the Holy Spirit guide you, that is good for you. Why not believe that the Church which consists of millions of Catholics who had/have been inspired by the Holy Spirit.

Individual’s interpretation has lead to so many failure as the result of so many denominations out there.

 

[Blue_Serenity]

I apologize for taking so long to get back to this discussion, but my computer had major problems and had to go in for repairs. I’ve only gotten back on line yesterday.

I asked AFH a question which I was sure would have been answered in the meantime, but perhaps she didn’t see it.

It’s a simple yes/no question.

Yes, all Christians have the ability to able to interpret scripture. Whether or not they are genuine in their interpretation is another thing, though.

 

[Blue_Serenity]

Individual’s interpretation has lead to so many failure as the result of so many denominations out there.

I agree.

 

[ALLFORHIM]

I apologize for taking so long to get back to this discussion, but my computer had major problems and had to go in for repairs. I’ve only gotten back on line yesterday.

I asked AFH a question which I was sure would have been answered in the meantime, but perhaps she didn’t see it.

It’s a simple yes/no question.

Hi,

If I dont answer people’s questions right away I get busy and forget. So thank you for reminding me.

Blue beat me to the answer though. In order for this to be true though they have to be true genuineborn again believer christians who have the HS in them,not just going through the motion people who label themselves christians.

 

[ALLFORHIM]

Yes, all Christians have the ability to able to interpret scripture. Whether or not they are genuine in their interpretation is another thing, though.

Thanks Blue for answering the question.

 

[jmcrae]

Hi,

If I dont answer people’s questions right away I get busy and forget. So thank you for reminding me.

Blue beat me to the answer though. In order for this to be true though they have to be true genuineborn again believer christians who have the HS in them,not just going through the motion people who label themselves christians.

So, who can tell us who has the Holy Spirit?
Some Protestants say that the way you can tell that you have the Holy Spirit, and thus, the correct interpretation of Scripture, is that you can speak in tongues.

Other Protestants say that “speaking in tongues” comes from the Devil, and that people who babble in an unknown language are most likely possessed by a demon of some kind.

How can an outside observer know which of these two Protestant groups is correct? (Hint: Jesus put someone in charge. Can you remember who it was? Who is his modern-day successor?)

 

[ALLFORHIM]

So, who can tell us who has the Holy Spirit?
Some Protestants say that the way you can tell that you have the Holy Spirit, and thus, the correct interpretation of Scripture, is that you can speak in tongues.

Other Protestants say that “speaking in tongues” comes from the Devil, and that people who babble in an unknown language are most likely possessed by a demon of some kind.

How can an outside observer know which of these two Protestant groups is correct? (Hint: Jesus put someone in charge. Can you remember who it was? Who is his modern-day successor?)

Yes Jesus put the HS in charge of all those who have Him in them. The bible says we are suppose to be able to tell by their actions Fruit of the Spirit(Galations 5:22). That is why it is of the opmost importance that a true christian acts like one so people can tell the difference. That is where sacrifing our fleshly desires come in to play. We need to sacrifice ourselves daily to follow Christ.
Im sure you know what Im talking about but let me give you an example:
I was asked to help out a lady who had quadruplets. It is a ministry our ladies bible study group is doing. Anyway, I went and the lady was nice, the babies were great, but they had MANY MANY animals that made us smell when we left. Now, I could be completely selfish an say to myself Im not going to go back because I dint like all the animals. But instead, by an act of willful obediance to the Lord I am going to go back and help this family as long as they need me. Trust me I have more stories but I dont want to make meself look too bad

You get my point. If you havent yet read Galations 5:22 then please do:thumbsup: