How do you interperate the Bible? (please read whole question before answering)?

Question

As a philosophy major, I have been asked to try to rid myself of everything I picked up in the outside world sometimes so I can examine each thing objectively and decide for myself, now, if it's something I agree with, or if it's something drilled into my head that I never really thought about disagreeing with.

I think a lot of people should do that with the bible, and their interpretations of it. Jesus warns us of false preachers. How can you be certain that the way the bible was taught to you was right, even if the person was well intentioned?

As an eclectic believer, I've had many people ask me if I've looked at the bible with an open heart, instead of looking for errors.
How many of you have looked at the bible with an open heart, trying your best not to be affected by what you have already been taught about it?

In my question asking what Jesus meant by going to heaven "through him" I had some people tell me it was obvious that He meant to accept him as our savior. Is it?

But Koresh, there must be objectivity as many wonderful people have different interpretations.

Answer 1

In my opinion, many people interpret the word Heaven to mean: “the abode of God, the angels, and the spirits of the righteous after death; the place or state of existence of the blessed after the mortal life.” Actually, Heaven can also mean: “a place or state of supreme happiness.” So, it other words, Jesus’ statement could also mean, will lead to happiness.

Answer 2

I try to study the Bible inductively, that is to say, draw the meaning out of the Bible, instead of looking up prooftexts in the Bible to find evidence of what I already happen to believe. As a result, a lot of my interpretations have changed over the years.
I feel the best guide to the interpretation of the Bible is the rest of the Bible. (After all, there are 66 books, 40 human authors, one HOly Spirit who inspires).
As for going to Heaven "through Jesus", I've never actually seen that expression put quite that way in the Bible. However believers, according to Ephesians chapter 2, are considered to be already in Heavenly places, IN Jesus, or WITH Jesus. (Please excuse the capital letters, we can't underline in this program). I believe what that means is that we have a position in Jesus Christ,, as believers in Him: we are identified with Him, and therefore as He is in heavenly places, we are considered to already have our position there.The Bible doesn't talk much about "accepting HIm" as our Saviour. It talks about repenting and believing, it talks about recieving Him (once only, in John chap. 1), and about accepting the word of the apostles (Acts 2). I don't mean to nit-pick, and I believe accepting Him does describe the above, but I fear our Christian vocabulary becomes impoverished when we use that expression exclusively rather than the expressions that are already in the Bible. We don't get the full meaning, and sometimes can get the wrong idea (as though it were merely a passive acceptance: "Okay, I accept HIm").
I don't know if this is answering your question, it's my interpretation of what you are asking!
EDIT:
Regarding Nationofswine's remark, about the Bible being so badly translated - I have studied Greek and have done my own translating - and have found our translations to be generally very good (not claiming that my translation was better - far from it! it was just a great way of meditating on the passages).
Also, we have such a variety of translations, that by comparing the translations, we can get the full meaning of a text.

Answer 3

There are a lot of professors that are intelligent with worldly things but complete idiots in spiritual things. Sometimes a professor will say, like what you have been told, "To rid yourself of everything you picked up in the outside world so you can examine each thing objectively and decide for yourself." Unquote

The problem with that is it doesn't say that in the bible. So the logic is flawed from the start.

God is not subject to any higher authority. And as the bible says "Those who say within their heart, there is no God..are fools" we would be wise to show that passage to our professors.

If the teacher/professor disagrees with that and starts their gobbly **** about being open minded and liberal thinkers..I wouldn't listen to the professor.

When it comes to eternity this is a serious, serious thing. I would rather "risk" believing in the bible and be wrong than "risk" believing in a professor and be wrong.

Because if the bible is true I will go to hell if I listen to the professor. But if the bible is true and I take it as literal fact I will be saved.

It doesn't take a scholarly mind to understand common sense and reason and everybody knows the choices always end up as these 2 choices below. It is our free will to choose the choices below. For me I am choosing the top choice.

"If we believe in the bible and it's not true, what have we lost? At least we lived a better life and helped people along the way."

"If however we don't believe in the bible and it is true, we are going to hell."

This question you asked is a very serious question with serious consequences. For a professor to talk disrespectful about the bible and to doubt it I would say is doing their students a disservice.

This is why my kids will never attend public school. They are Godless.

Answer 4

You seem to be speaking ONLY about the New Testament, yes? If you truly want to approach this with an open mind, you need to study the history of those who wrote it, their motives, distance in time from the actual historical figure of Jesus and so on. For instance, the Gospel of Matthew has come under quite a bit of fire regarding accuracy.

Since you're a philosophy major, I'd think you want to study OTHER religious philosophies, including Jesus' own religion (Judaism) and a similar one (Buddhism), before making any life-altering choices.

As for me, I'm a former Catholic, have forgotten most of what I was taught and am not sorry, since I'm an Atheist. I did take a course in "The Bible as Literature", while I was an undergrad. It just showed me how BADLY most of the Bible was translated! If you REALLY want to get into Bible studies, learn Hebrew, ancient Greek and Aramaic! Then you can speak with authority!

Answer 5

I really appreciate your question and honesty.

When I was growing up I was misguided regarding the Bible and its teaching. It was difficult to have an open mind and heart at first.

It was suggested to me to use a Theological Dictionary and a Bible Concordance while studying the Bible. This has truly helped me understand the Bible and taken away what people refer to as contradictions in the Bible.

Jesus is the way, truth and light. By accepting Jesus into your heart and your life you will be saved. Jesus is our advocate with the Father (1 John 2:1). He is our Savior (Titus 2:13). He is our Lord (Rom. 10:9-10).

Answer 6

I did exactly as you said, I was atheist and I decided to read the Bible without any preconceived idea, any prejudice, with an open heart.
After 2 hours of lecture I believed.
_
It is true that many people read the Bible through glasses, like catholic glasses or protestant glasses or evolutionist glasses.
_

As for the last question, the explanation of the Bible is first literal and then, if the literal does not work, symbolic.
In the example you give, the expression "through him" cannot be interpreted literally. We cannot go through the body of Jesus. Therefore it is symbolic.
Symbolic of what? going to heaven being the symbol of salvation, it would mean that Jesus is the key to our salvation, and therefore yes to accept Him as Savior will take us to heaven.

Answer 7

I empathize with your question, I seem to be going through the same thing right now! I think it is impossible to read anything without our pre-conceived notions influencing our interpretation. What I have been trying to do lately is to read commentaries form many differing sources and than going back to the bible to see which one is most accurate. And of course, you may pray for wisdom and understanding.

The reality, though, is that while it is important to understand doctrine, what is most important is to have a relationship with Jesus. Sometimes I get so caught up in miniscule points that I seem to forget the big picture!

There are different explanations of that verse. Some people believe that it means that Christ works faith in us, and it is completely his work and his choice (Calvinism) while others believe it means we are to accept him (Arminianism). This is a debate that has been going on for centuries. Personally I lean towards the Arminianism point of view but the truth probably lies somewhere in the middle.

Hope this helps!

Answer 8

In the broadest and most general context, Jesus accomplished everything that was necessary for man and God to be reconciled, so he is the one mediator between God and man, and no one can get to heaven without him.

From that point on, you have over 30,000 various Christian creeds to choose from.

The only faith tradition that consistently matches up with the authentic teachings of Christ and the apostles, from the very earliest days, is the Catholic one.

Anyone who's willing to do what you suggest, and then do the authentic research, will typically come to that conclusion, simply because it's the truth.

To read the collected works of a celebrated protestant clergyman who had little choice but to become Catholic, once he learned the facts, go here:

http://www.newmanreader.org/index.html

Answer 9

It does state in the Bible that no man shall enter heaven except through Him, I take this to mean they have to accept Him as their Lord and Savior. I know of no other way to read it. I read the Bible myself. I di take in assount teachings from others who have spent a lifetime studying and researching the bible, but only if they are people that have proven to be good, kind, loving people and have no appearance of wanting to get ahead from their teaching but, who are really concerned and are proven followers. I don't take just anyone's word. I want the person to be pure of heart if that mskes sense. Thjey are always kind and happy to see you every time. Even if it's been a month or 5 months. They are always happy to see you and talk to you and are jsut good people who do not judge or down other people. These are the people that I believe really live the words of God and don't try to make people over but only out of love which is what Jesus did.

Answer 10

Awesome question.
I frequently tell people to forget about their traditions and read the Bible one on one with GOD.
I have spent some time with this passage you bring up. I believe when you add this to the Shepard parables, a clear image starts to unfold. I believe that everyone will pass by or through Jesus literally. This would somewhat change the general teaching that it means to accept him as savior. This would also answer the common sense question of "What about the people who have never heard of Jesus" I believe they will be Judged by Jesus himself righteously. If you read John chapter one, you will see a picture of Jesus in his glory. I have a feeling he is more important then we give him credit for.
I hope that helps.
Shalom
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