why do they tell me i'm wrong?

Question

When studying the bible much of it is loosely translated but imho i think we should interpret what it means through our own minds and experiences. if a verse/comandment in the bible says "love thy neighbor", in my mind i see it as "love your fellow man no matter his cultural background" BUT many christians tell me i'm wrong and tell me it means love your fellow christian brothers and sisters. why would they say this? if studying means going by what the 'sheep' say then i want nothing to do with studying the bible.

I want to study the bible i'm just sick of trying to tell people what i feel is my interpretation and them telling me i'm wrong. At least i'm not a sheep who feels that i don't need to think for myself. i just want to know why they do this.

Answer 1

While I do value your convictions and think that you are right to say that an uninformed and sheep-like following of others interpretations is a bad thing, I would caution the other extreme. As easy as it is to be a sheep, it is just as easy to individually shape the Bible into something that only reaffirms what we already believe and does nothing to challenge us to a better understanding of the world, of ourselves, and of God. I urge you to continue your study of the Bible but to find a group of people to study with where you feel comfortable voicing your opinion and open to listening to others. Yes, your personal experiences and thoughts are important, but it is important to tap into the resource that is other people. Chances are, you're going to disagree with some people and it is your job to understand why you disagree rather than following like a sheep or storming off in huff if something you don't like is said. I can speak from experience when I say that there is always going to be someone who disagrees with an interpretation you believe in. Don't let it discourage you.

Answer 2

The only way to understand anything is to make your own decision. However sometimes that decision has to be based upon some sub-deciisons that go into it. For example, unless you learn the orignal languages you must trust the translator. So start with studing that ( a word for word translation is far better than dynamic equivalence becuase the latter is letting you what the translator believes it means). When someone tells you the way they interpret it consider their reasons. Is there a bias, are they consistant, are they reading it honestly or a they wish it was. The example you give is a pretty clear example of hypocracy.
The bible is worth reading, but I've half givin up on it myself becuase of the types of people you mention. I'm half convinced that the only way to have any idea of what it says without someone with an agenda interfearing is to learn the original languages and I don't have the time. So I very much sympathize with your plight.
I say let others guide you but not dictate to you, decide for yourself in all things. Start be decideing if this is helpful or if I'm full of shi

Answer 3

The invention of the printing press was absolutely wonderful for the modern world but at the time church leaders (clergy) were petrified because the sheep (laity) would be able to have their own personal Bible. The Catholic church at that time believed that only the Pope and priests could appropriately interpret scripture but the sheep could not. Martin Luther, founder of the Lutheran church separated from the church because he thought the printing of the Bible would lead to more educated Christians with even deeper relationships with God. Studying on your own, I feel is great, but you can't be prideful and constantly feel like your interpretation is always the right one. And having classes in Greek, Hebrew, or Jewish history can only add substance to your studies. Pastors aren't always perfect but the laity definitely aren't either.

Answer 4

I don't know why they are saying that scripture means only fellow Christians. That is nonsense. Your interpretation is correct. Our "neighbor" is all of mankind. That is one reason you need a good Bible based Church with sound Biblical teaching that actually TEACHES the Word. Not all Christians are real students of the Bible. They should be, but many are not. That is why you need a Pastor that you can trust and really knows the Word.

Answer 5

Well the bible is just rubbish anyway. It was written by man not an almighty divine creator. And you are wrong because when the commandments were brought down from the mountain Sinai. Moses killed all the people that were worshiping idols in other words non Jews. So there you go you are actually wrong my friend sorry. You should actually read the bible and that will help you see the evil of it. Of course you could still debate what Jesus thought about it all. I would think he would love everyone. Which they would probably agree with to. But you can not reword the ten commandments with Jesus teachings. Because thats like saying dinosaurs used forks. Haha I couldnt think of a better comparison.

Answer 6

No one should tell u that u are wrong, studying the bible is for ur own understanding and what u translate it to be. U cant follow what everyone thinks it is, it is what u think it is that u follow. For me love thy neighbor means love everyone even if they are not christians cause Jesus loved everyone including the prostitute who washed his feets in her tears

Answer 7

Good for you.

Many Christians say that because only Christians will enter heaven per their beliefs. So they want everyone to be Christian and many do not tolerate anyone who does not follow their beliefs. That kind of thing has been going on since the dawn of time.

Ever noticed though how other religions and belief systems are much more accepting others who don't share their beliefs and they don't prosetlyze to anyone? I wonder why that is.

Answer 8

You will have to find a church that teaches the bible in its truest form. I would not presume to tell you any one religion because i have found all religions lacking.

I studied the bible on my own and i don't always agree with organized religion...i don't put my faith on some elses

as you believe...so shall you recive..
Pray and pray often..the truth will come but it does take a little work on your part..Good luck as some people have spent their whole lives studying the Word of God...the Holy Bible

Answer 9

Maybe because it suits the way of life they want. They want to live a certain way and everyone should be JUST like them. I think your interpretation is SO MUCH better and accepting and open minded. If you don't like their attitude then be what is considered a "non-practicing Christian", I know it seems so "ugh" but that way you're free to interpret the bible any way you want.

Answer 10

I agree with you. To love your neighbor is to love everyone. Even Christ taught this with his parable of the good Samaritan. The Samaritan was not Jew. He was pagan, from a place which mixed the Jewish teachings with that of the pagans. If Christ had only considered those who share the same faith to be our neighbors, than he would have had the Levite in the story, or one of the other Jews, be the one who was a good neighbor, and not the pagan Samaritan. I'm surprised today that there are even people who consider that to mean anything different.