If God is the ultimate authority on scripture...how can fundamentalists be literalists?.?

Question

The Bible is vague, but fundamentalists will be the first to tell you what the Bible says...and will leave no room for any other interpretation or belief....If they do not think there can be another interpretation...aren't they saying that they are the ultimate authority...thereby, they are saying that they are God?

Answer 1

God has nothing to do with scriptures, men wrote them.

Answer 2

It depends on your definition of a fundamentalist, I think. There are some who claim to be fundamentalists who don't leave much room for any interpretation other than their own, but in general, people who would claim to be fundamentalists consider that they don't have the final word on interpretation. For instance some parts in the Bible are introduced as being symbolic! (Revelation, for instance).
As regards eschatology (study of future events), some fundamentalists believe in a future Tribulation period, and Millennium, and other fundamentalists insist there is no such thing. Both are interpreting the same Scriptures, but some say "A" has to be understood in the light of "B", while others say "B" has to be understood in the light of "A".
So, in the case of most fundamentalists, your criticism doesn't really apply. But in the case of others, who could be classified as sectarian, your criticism is very appropriate.

Answer 3

I think that you might have a point. But you did say that the Bible is vague. I find that comment telling. What part of the Bible is vague? Surely, you cannot mean the whole Bible, when we have a direct blatant representative of God saying that he is the Messiah. There are places where he blatantly tells of his imminent death. Those are not vague statements.

Answer 4

there is not any question which you're stunning, 'the final authority on scripture is God.' yet, His authority and 'way for us to understand His word and His Will and His tactics...jointly along with his character and His 'plan for all humanity'..."He" chosen to checklist for us interior the scriptures; quite, the old and New Testaments of the bible. After close and thorough study of the bible one will locate that 'the bible interprets itself!' by thorough 'bypass referencing' and 'evaluating scripture'...and by the better of the Holy Spirit of God,... you could nevertheless quite draw maximum precise conclusions that 'are no longer based in ordinary terms upon opinion' yet, instead, 'upon the scriptures motives of itself.' in spite of the fact that it takes some severe paintings on the area of the reader. God bless.

Answer 5

Yeap pretty much. We, as Christians, need to do our best to interpret the Bible and to be unified on those concepts which are essential to the Christian faith.

Yet we also need to be willing to say that we are not the final authority. That we can and probably will be wrong on our understanding of God and his text. In fact, I, as a Christian, reserve the right to be wrong and not always have an answer to a question.

Yet I will do as best as I can, in my ability to seek the Truth and seek Answers. And Share that Truth with others. We need to be willing to step in other people's shoes as far as their views go to help us have a more comprehensive worldview/ biblical view.

Answer 6

God, Heaven, Tooth Fairy, Easter Bunny = Wishful Thinking

Answer 7

God is the authority on his word. "No scripture is given for private interpretation."

Answer 8

Fundamentalists are hypocrites. Actually, most of the followers are just doing and believing what they are told. More should do research and think for themselves.

Answer 9

This is a critical doctrine, since it is the source of money the preachers use for crystal meth and male prostitutes.

Answer 10

Yes Luke let the hate grow strong in you....come to the dark side