2007-03-20 15:12:13 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Of course it is! The "one and only Word of God" bible says to kill anyone working on Sunday, but that's ignored because "it's just the Old Testament". Only Jews shun animals with "cloven feet" i.e. don't eat pork, but Christians can still eat bacon, and it's all in the same bible.
The bible is just a big list of Christian I-Told-You-So's and is used as a weapon more often than for good.
2007-03-20 15:31:42 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Usually it is if left unchecked. This is why it is disturbing to many that an academic appraoch to Bible has been rejected and outright demonized by the more conservative churches. Biblical Scholarship places certain checks into the interpretive enterprise in order to prevent a person from being completely prejudiced or biased (although, it is impossible to prevent this. But when approached methodologically, bias is not likely to pervade one's whole argument).
Historical, textual, literary, narrative, source, etc. criticisms bring a framework to the interpretive enterprise that, contrary to what many conservative Christians would say, broadens and deepens interpretive possibilities. Some possibilities and readings of Scripture are thus precluded, such as readings that would have been unintelligable to the original audience, or readings that do not reflect the original language of the text. I am wary of interpreters (particularly those who are so certain about their conclusions) who do not at least approach the text with a clear method and basic understanding of the tools Biblical Scholarship brings to interpretation. Good question.
2007-03-20 15:20:38 · answer #2 · answered by Tukiki 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
In order for your question to be accurate it must read "Is bible interpretation a function of prejudices readers, writers, and translators bring to it?
Then an answer can say yes without any moral problems.
2007-03-20 15:17:20 · answer #3 · answered by Terry 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No The Holy Spirit was sent to reveal the Truth to us. We should Pray for the Holy Spirit to help us understand and correctly divide the scriptures.
2 Peter 1:20 - Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
2 Peter 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
2 Timothy 2:15 - Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2007-03-20 15:43:56 · answer #4 · answered by deacon 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No. For those of us who have studied Hermeneutics (how to interpret the Bible) We are shown how to interpret it without prejudices. and find the meaning the author intended.
2007-03-20 15:19:05 · answer #5 · answered by Jan P 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No. It's a function of the Holy Spirit, working in the Body of Christ, which was filled with that same Spirit on the First Pentecost, and continues to dwell within Her members - especially when in Ecumenical Council - - or when "two or three are gathered" together in Jesus name.
2007-03-20 15:17:04 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Sort of. A literal reading isn't, but no one does that anymore. Not even the people who claim to. For example, no more stoning of adulterers.
2007-03-20 15:15:50 · answer #7 · answered by WWTSD? 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It can be. That's why you should not interpret it without guidance.
2007-03-20 15:15:15 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Often...
2007-03-20 15:23:15 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You got it.
2007-03-20 15:15:43 · answer #10 · answered by S K 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋