Why are Christians reluctant to admit that their interpretation of the bible has changed over time?

Question

Now before you guys jump behind that impenetrable wall of blatant idiotic denial, read some of the numerous belief structures of your fellows. To name but a few, I’ve read many, many examples of differing interpretations of the seven day creation story and there are even those of who understand evolution and somehow weave it into their beliefs so that they may maintain their faith. Of course, 100 + years ago, the bible was taken literally and if the “Christians” here were heard to say what they say, they would’ve been severely dealt with by their fellows.

People’s interpretations change as knowledge and technology increases. So therefore, the reign of Christianity is not infinite. Yeah, yeah?

Answer 1

Looks to me like the typical response is "God reveals things to us over time, what a wonderful book the Bible is to have been written this way."

It is frustrating that people do this, it basically means that the Bible can be taken in any context you can twist it into and it'll still fit and look like it was meant to be taken that way.

Answer 2

lol,

Actually, you are correct. The Bible actually says, God is the reveal er of things. God has designed the bible so that as we do come near to the time he will cast Judgment persons over time will have a clear interpretation of the scriptures and all their symbolic meaning. So you are correct in the sense the meaning of things have become more clearer, but the message of the bible has not changed. The bible proves itself. Any other religious organization can say something has changed but not by the bible evidence if they use it.

Again you would be correct, the reign of Christianity is not infinite, but the bible says Christ gives back the Kingdom to his Father Almighty God, So Jesus and all intelligent creation will worship God unitedly. 1 Corinthians 15:24-28.

Answer 3

As long as their are different people they will interpret things differently. There are many scientists that disagree on the age of the earth, how evolution worked and how long it took. I can give you a list pages long, of scientists that do not believe the earth is older than ten thousand years. Expecting Christians to be any different is not realistic. I personally believe the Bible the way it is written. To be honest I tried to reconcile old earth and the theory of evolution with the Bible. When I studied it scientifically, I came to the conclusion the Bible was right all along, and I was wrong.

Answer 4

You're right in saying that the personal interpretations of the words that are written on the pages of the Bible have been taken out of context by many people over the years. But the words in the Bible are God's words and they themselves have never changed. If one studies Hebrew and sees that today's English that best translates the early bible is the Catholic Bible. The Catholic Church has over the years adhered to the translations of the ancient languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek, Latin). Other Christian Churches have decided to take some words out and add some words to make it "better sounding" or make it liveable for them or to suit their needs. Of all the Christian bibles, the Catholic Bible has not lost the literal translation of the languages of the early bible.

Answer 5

Sure - I'm training to be a vicar at Oxford University and it's blatently obvious we grow in our understanding of what the Bible really means - As John says - the Holy Spirit guids us into all truth.

Just ask people about the church's position on slavery etc

Answer 6

I don't. A lot of us don't. My opinion, most of us readily admit the Bible's interpretation has changed over the years. What's important to me, is that certain sections have not, such as love and kindness.

Why do people have a tendency to mark an entire culture, race, sex, belief, etc.. based on a fanatical portion of it?

Answer 7

Certainly our interpretation of scripture has changed

Much the same as scientific theories have also changed

Does the fact that our interpretation changes mean there is no God? of course not - it just means that our understanding of Him and His word is interprited in our current context, the fact that Christianity can survive new interpritations actually proves that Christianity is infinate

Thanks for the question

Answer 8

There are many different interpretations of the US Constitution, but that does not changing the wording of that document. Just because comes to a "truth" with an agenda and tries to twist that "truth" to fit their ideas does not invalidate the "truth". If that was the case, then evolution would not be "true" because Christians (and others) have twisted evidence to (attempt) to show it is false. Misuse or misunderstanding of "truth" does not turn "truth" in a "falsehood". That is a logical fallacy.

Answer 9

The basic teaching of the bible has never changed. That is of love. Gods love for man and how man should live his life caring for mankind. There has been many that use the bible for gread and power that does not say it`s core is wrong.

Answer 10

The Bible tells us that as the end of the world grows closer, new truths and revelations will be revealed to us.
I am not reluctant at all to admit thus, in fact I would say that just in my personal walk alone I have changed my interpretations as I have studied more and grown closer to Jesus.
Yes, I agree that if I lived a thousand years ago, I'd probably be burned at the stake by the Catholic Church as a heretic, but that doesn't mean that they are right and I am wrong.

Your question and details, however, lead me to believe that you are just looking for and excuse to dismiss the worth and value of the Bible and its relevance upon your life today. Perhaps you should do more reading it, and less talking about it, just a suggestion.