so what makes your own interpretation of the bible better than that of priests if both are "inspired" by god..

Question

...presumably?

that is the best interpretation...but i hope god has guided you to it

and how do you know the author (who has been dead for 2000 years) intent???

Answer 1

Depends on your hermeneutics. Hermeneutics is a big fancy word for how you read and interpret the Bible. Seminaries have classes devoted to this, an there are books out there for lay people as well at your local book stores. A good tip that I can give for anyone when they are reading the Bible is when you read a verse, passage, chapter, etc.. always ask the question "What does the author intend for this verse to mean?" This is reading with authorial intended in mind. Sure if we read the Bible and try and ask "what does this verse mean to me?" we might have the same outcome, but more often than not we might be wrong. Granted me might be wrong the other way as well, but using authorial intend lessens that risk, and gives us what is more than likely the true meaning. Also, we should check our interpretation with other peoples' interpretations. People who know how to read the Bible and have studied it thoroughly. And if our interpretation is radically different from that of most other respected theologians interpretations, we might want to check our interpretation again and see if we missed something, and make sure that we are truly seeking what that verse was intended to mean. Also, we should check our interpretation with other verses as well to see if it is compatible. Granted it is not fool proof, but it is a lot safer than just reading something, and coming up with any old meaning in our own mind. And always always, pray for guidance and understanding before and after reading the Bible, so that the Holy Spirit can guide us.

Answer 2

It really makes a big difference since we the faithful are just merely the follower of God and He did not gave us the authority to interpret the meaning of the text in biblical,theological meaning or interpretation and most specially is with authority unlike the priest they were given an authority by the Church to interpret the meaning of the bible passages based also on the authority of Jesus Christ that was given to the apostles ( John 20:21-23), because the Church was founded through the apostles. And for sure the interpretation of the priest is safe to our salvation because they explained and interpret using the sacred magisterium and sacred tradition.The laity( faithful) may interpret the bible but it's own opinion only because he don't have an authority to interpret the bible with conviction and appealing to the people.However faithful like the theologians can explain and interpret it accordingly because of the authority of the Church. That is why there is really a big difference.

Answer 3

First, priests aren't inspired by God. Second, the measure of one's interpretation is if it is in line with the biblical authors intent. Thus, if my interpretation of Scripture is what the author intended to convey by the biblical text in question, and if a priest's interpretation differs from my interpretation, then mine is the better interpretation.

Answer 4

What I'm saying is that whatever God 'reveals' to a priest, such as wisdom, discernment, interpretation, He will reveal to any other person who seeks. Man made people priests, not God. Priest are on the same level as any other person. The Bible says there is one mediator between God and man, that being Christ Jesus. It is not right to give any person on earth power over your spiritual walk with God.
It's not as if Jesus were dead. He's alive and He is our priest, not a man who needs forgiveness for sins same as everyone else.
Who gave this authority and power to priests? Not the apostles. Not Jesus. Not the Bible.

Answer 5

Its not that you can never listen to a priest or pastor, because yes, those who are truly saved have understanding and correct interpretation. The point is that you should read for yourself first and foremost. Also, sometimes God reveals interpretations that apply to different people for a variety of reasons. God reveals what he feels the person needs to understand and the way they understand.

Answer 6

I am not suggesting all interpretations of the bible by priests are wrong. I do question the staus that the priests have been elevevated to. Quite often they misquote Jesus saying to Peter thou art the rock and upin this rock I will build my church. What they fail to see is that the term Rock was used for God all through the old testement. He is the Rock of our salvation and one verse even says there is no other Rock than our God. In the new testement Jesus says if a man hears my words and does them he is like a man who builds his house on a Rock. Notice it is hearing and doing Jesus words that is building on the Rock which he referred to himself. He also is referred to as the chief cornerstone. Another verse says no other foundation can be laid than that which is laid which is Christ Jesus. If you need I can look these verses up for you but I assure you they are in there.

Answer 7

In my opinion my interpretation of the Bible would inherently have a definition of God. This is not "inspired" by anyone but Me.
Have a great day and 'Carry it Forward.'
Barrie T

Answer 8

Neither I nor the priest is "inspired" by God, however the Bible IS. We may ask (Pray) to God for inspiration to arrive at a correct answer to biblical questions however.

Answer 9

ahh.. the battle cry of secular humanists. Its called hermeneutics. There are good ways and bad ways to interpret scripture. Any idiot can voice an opinion with confiction. Just look around the religion section here. doesn't mean she/he is right. there are methods that need to be followed.

Answer 10

" For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God " Romans 6:23. How can a priest forgive you of your sins when he a no better sinner also ???