Is this the way to interpret Scripture?

Question

If it is a bizarre, outdated and violent tribal behavior, then it must be 'Old School' i.e. Pre-Jesus, therefore no longer relevant, except for the exceptions which vary by Denomination, local church and individual interpretation.

If it is 'New School' i.e. Post-Jesus, but Christians don't practice it, it's because it was only necessary to establish the Church and no longer required, so we can conveniently sweep it under the rug.

If it is Old School, but basically in line with our political goals, then it is still valid, Jesus be damned.

If it involves bizarre tribal nonsense, then it is to be interpreted allegorically, even though the original audiences would have taken it literally.

Ah, the Unchanging 'Word of God' seems to go through a lot of changes, minute to minute, generation to generation, country to country, ad infinitum.

I think the only thing unchanging about it is that it can be used to manipulate simple minded people.

To hot_air: Invoking the guidance of supernatural beings?

I see why you call yourself "Hot Air".

Answer 1

Although the lack of sincerity in your question is somewhat obvious, I'll answer your question as best I can. Gaining an understanding of the bible is much like putting a jig-saw puzzle together. You cannot simply take one piece and understand the whole.You also need the guidance of the Holy Spirit to direct you.

"For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little"
Isaiah 28:10

Edit: Once again you see something and make broad assumptions. You have no idea why I call myself "hot_air".

Answer 2

Well I for one am grateful they're changing their interpretations to reflect modern times... and it's great that morality is not derived from the bible (or else we'd be stoning rebellious children to death) but is instead inferred from genetic sense and social awareness. In the old days we'd be burned at the stake for even questioning their stupid holy book, but today we can speak freely on the matter.

But you're right, interpretations vary wildly. Somethings are literal, some are figurative or symbolic, yet to others the entire thing is the inerrant word of god. How they can see "honor thy father and mother" as being literal yet see the second half of that sentence (which says to kill them if they don't - Mark 7:9-10) as being figurative? The sort of self-delusions required by christians must put a lot of strain on their perception and self-defense mechanisms. It's not easy to deny reality, no wonder christian apologist books and websites are so popular.

Answer 3

No, not at all.

This is why we aren't supposed to all, personally interpret scripture for everyone else. This is why the Catholic Church is the only one with that authority. As we can see from your post, it makes quite a confusing mess when everyone interprets according to their own desire.

Answer 4

I couldn't agree more. I think you have read "the God Delusion", by Richard Dawkins.

You summarized his book very well.

Answer 5

Manipulation and control of the masses was the ultimate goal of it all.

Answer 6

I think this is the first sane explanation on the topic I have seen.