Christians and Bible readers: How is human reason to be used in understanding Holy Scripture?

Answer 1

Human reason tells us only one thing about 'holy scripture'... "this is horseshit." That's why Martin Luther said:

"Reason must be deluded, blinded, and destroyed. Faith must trample underfoot all reason, sense, and understanding, and whatever it sees must be put out of sight and ... know nothing but the word of God." ~ Martin Luther

"Reason is the greatest enemy that faith has; it never comes to the aid of spiritual things, but -- more frequently than not -- struggles against the divine Word, treating with contempt all that emanates from God." ~ Martin Luther

"There is on earth among all dangers no more dangerous thing than a richly endowed and adroit reason... Reason must be deluded, blinded, and destroyed." ~ Martin Luther

"Reason should be destroyed in all Christians." ~ Martin Luther

Answer 2

That's an excellent question.

A major reason why the Protestant Reformation took place is the disagreement over the role of human reason in the understanding of the Bible. While the Catholic Church defended its role as the sole fount of scriptural comprehension, the Reformers rejected the Church's reading of the text and struck out on their own in search of a "new and improved" understanding. Carried to the extreme, some post-Reformation sects espouse a belief in the "priesthood of all believers" in which God (through the Word) is equally accessible to all the faithful and all members have a say in the affairs of the congregation.

Is that right? Should we rely upon human reason as the bedrock foundation for our understanding of Holy Scripture? Philosophers have been asking and answering various forms of that question for several hundred years now, with no conclusive results. My sense is that the Bible - like all texts - is best understood through experiencing it.

I'm a teacher, and I have found it to be nearly universally true that a child learns best when s/he is "closest to the action" - that is, when the experience of learning is most relevant and sensible to the child. Reading a book or listening to a lecture is a less effective means to an education than conducting an experiment or going on a field trip or speaking with a person who witnessed an important episode in history. So it is with religious conviction. Our faith is held fast by what we EXPERIENCE to be true. These experiences can be as varied as there are people on the planet and have been referred to by others as "mountaintop experiences." The experiences I have had in my life involved a brief but keen awareness of how I was a part of something much greater than myself. They are hard to explain, though I'm sure others have written far more eloquently about their own experiences.

So what does this have to do with Scripture? Well, since I believe that religious conviction comes from personal experience, Holy Scripture cannot be read monolithically from on high because each person is going to have a different understanding of the text based on their unique experience of the divine. It is the accumulation of such "experiences" of the Bible that leads to rich understanding and, I think, a proper reading of the text the way God intended it. No one person or group has a monopoly on the interpretation of Holy Scripture - but altogether, sharing in our experiences of the divine, we can begin to approach a fuller understanding of the Bible and of the great God who has given it to us.

Answer 3

it can't, reason say that is not possible, but the Holy Scriptures say it is. a lot of problems have been caused in the church by people trying to put human reasoning to the scriptures, so you hear that was just a story to explain things, or that doesn't really apply to today, etc. to truly understand the scriptures, pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal the scriptures to you as you read, read Mathew 13:13 and it might explain this to you.

Answer 4

human reasoning? that's a broad category, so I'm unable to answer based on that. I mean, reasoning of what? Are you asking do we try to understand the scriptures based on our own understanding?
No.
Understanding comes from The Holy Spirit. You pray. You say, God, I really don't understand this, and He will guide you.

Answer 5

Holy Scripture are in the Bible. And the Bible is like a passport to heaven, and Jesus is like a Ticket to enter heaven. If you pray and ask for guidance Jesus will guide you. To have a ticket{Jesus} you should read the passport{Bible} and understand it. To understand the Scripture you should ask His guidance. and um... oh that all i know

Answer 6

Well i would say the #1 rule in Bible interpretation is understanding the context of the verse- so most certainly you need to use your reason to understand that.

Also the Bible does tell us to study to show ourselves approved unto God a workman who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

We can study, understand, but ultimately we need the Holy Spirit's help to know how to apply the truths we've learned into specific areas of our lives.

We are to love God not only with all our mind and strength, but also with all our minds. God has given us though who are gifted at teaching the word, but we ourselves too need to learn how to study and apply God's word with the Holy Spirit's help...

hope that helps,

Nickster

Answer 7

that is why God sent the Holy Spirit to dwell within Christians...to help us understand what we need to understand...when we need to know it. And much of what the bible teaches is common sense...love others as yourself...help those in need...spread Gods word...etc. We are not to add to nor take away from Gods word. ...like so many try to do in order to make it conform to their way of thinking. There are also things we are not meant to understand...& that is where faith comes in. We have to trust God as He knows far better than we do. But if someone has not accepted Christ as thier savior, they will not get far...because Jesus is our intercessor to God the Father.

Answer 8

Not if you want to remain a Christian. Reason is an "E Ticket" out of Christianity.

It amazes me that folks say you should not use reason to understand the bible. Somehow the same thing that tells you not to put you hand in a fire shouldn't be used to understand what is supposedly "Gods' word", when he gave you that reason to begin with?

Please.

Answer 9

With prayer for guidance from the Holy Spirit

Answer 10

Study, Study, Study - check out my web site - it explains the Bible and even shows the History of the Bible - but Study is involved - good luck with your study.