What do you do when someone interprets scripture differently than you?

Question

Should you share your view and move on...or should you continue to "present your side"?

Especially, in relation to social issues like homosexuality. It may be your view that it is wrong and sinful. However, there are many denominations that are taking a different look at homosexuality and/or the condemnation of such and coming to different conclusions. Please don't tell me these are not Godly churches..as they are Methodist, Church of Christ, Episcopalians, some independent Baptists, and many more.

Why can't both sides agree to disagree and move on? You think it is sin, others do not.

If it is a sin in your eyes, do not commit it. Plain and simple.

Why do you continue to condemn people based on your opinion of interpretation of scripture....especially, when you know that others have differing opinions?

This is an issue solely between the two consenting adults and their God....not you...and as such, these people should have all the same civil and legal rights.

Answer 1

If they wish we discuss the difference of opinion courteously. If it becomes otherwise I firmly terminate the discussion. Homosexuality is a matter of hormones,nothing more. The references to it in the New Testament do not refer to sexual inversion but to normative homosexuality - homosexuality as practised by otherwise heterosexual people. In all of the ancient cultures homosexuality was a social norm. People have a hard time understanding this - whether it is gays claiming every great man produced by Greece or Rome as an example of a "great man who was gay" - or whether it is fundies imagining if a person abstained from homosexuality it would eventually alter their orientation. There is a difference between a practice and a condition. Gays - as we use the term - are constitutionally homosexual; it is no fault of theirs,nor is it a matter of choice,however they may wish to celebrate it as such. The Bible condemed normative homosexuality,period. Those references are not to gays,or inverts or pathics (as the Greeks called them; constitutional homosexuals were considered abnormal,although not despised); as Pope Paul IV expatiated in his 1969 Papal Bull establishing the current position on homosexuality,the Church makes a sharp distinction between constitutional homosexuality - endlessly forgiveable,although admittedly it is still considered venial to practice homosexuality - and indulgent homosexuality,which is seen as sexual licentiousness,nothing more. That was the era of 'the new bisexuality" when it was being promoted by the press,,and a revival of sort was underway. But the Church has taken a wise course and I support our current stand wholeheartedly. I do not feel homosexuality as a PRACTICE on the part of the general,heterosexual public should be encouraged. But the constitutional homosexual deserves our sympathy,our compassion and our support.

Answer 2

Well....if I were to go by the Constant Barrage of "Homosexual" leave Us alone Questions / Statements posted here, like this one, I think that U, would rather keep bringing up the Conflict, I know we don't. For what reason I'm not sure. Do U want Everybody here to Sanction the "Learned Behavior", is that it??? U know, even if we came out & said U "Gays" are just the greatest thing since Sliced Bread, Gods' Holy Scripture Says it's Wrong. Of course maybe U should get the churches U mentioned to write a new Bible just for U "Gays" out there if that would ease the pressure U put on Ur minds. To me, & Scripture, All Sin is Equal Except, not Accepting Christ. We don't condemn "Gays", God has already made that Determination, we just take the Stand of Scripture in saying it is a Sin! So...like if it is Just between 2 consenting Adults, how come U "Gays" like "Rosie O." want to drag innocent children into their lives??? Doesn't that negate what U just said??? U know people in our country tend to move around a lot. Many go to Arizona to get warm, only to discover they can't take the Heat! Perhaps U would benefit from this knowledge & go some place where U won't have to bare the Heat??? John

Answer 3

The first thing I do is point them to 2 Peter 1:20 - "knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation".

Assuming you don't know, the word "prophecy" refers to a prophet telling you what God wants you to know, whether it is present (You've messed up and need to repent) or future (these are the events that will take place in the future).

Based on this passage there is no such thing as my interpretation and your interpretation. The Scriptures say one thing and it is up to us to figure out what it is saying.

If the subject is something like homosexuality you can easily point them to 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 - "Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God." As well as, Leviticus 18:22; 20:13, Romans 1:26-27, and 1 Timothy 1:10.

Other subjects may take more study, obviously.

Answer 4

I feel to have simple respect is @ hand here.
In my fam., we have over 5 major religions all w/ opposing views. We Must leave it alone, or we can't sit down together/ 'u know' be together, as a fam., @ a function;
" @ all !! " .

As per the Holy Scripture; the Word of God; if u r a believer, u are commanded to "not mix w/ such company as idolaters, fornicators, nor men who lie with men for unnatural purposes...." As YOU even said, "agree to disagree and move on". We have/ do have conversations, doesn't always turn out so well either. Followers of Christ /his teachings/ are also,told not to love mother or brother or sister (etc) more than God's Son.
so, it goes to reason that I don't see my family much, nor speak to them. I do have family, I have been blessed with.
Don't n/e1 go thinkin' I'm in Pity Wallow...k?


If a person wants to know what God has said on any subject...
I will show what God's Word says on the matter.
My opinion is not what matters...it's GOD's decision*,
as our Creator, as to what is good or bad for us, humans.
He is the Sovereign Lord of the universe.

* My opinion....just so happens to be...that I agree with Jehovah God.
Also, I submit to His Will.
I stand firm on a solid foundation; that will not/ does not
totter. Christ's Kingdom will never be brought to ruin.

Answer 5

Who are you trying to please man or God? God says it is a sin. man tries to justify loose living and say it is not a sin.

Christians do not hate the gays. Christians speak to others with love. here are some verses that might help you.
Genesis 1:27
Genesis 2:18-25
Matthew 19:4-6
Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13
Romans 1:26-27
Corinthians 6:9-11
James 1:13-15
1 Corinthians 10:13
1 John 4:4
1 John 5:1-5
I hope these verses help you find your answer to what the bible says. Plese look up these verses.
May God Bless the rest of your day!

Answer 6

Generally doctrine is what divides us as Christians and that is why there are so many denominations.
As far as homosexuality goes. There are no verses that say it's ok. The condemnation that happened in SODOM , was carried over and unrepentant homosexuals are listed as those who will NOT enter the Kingdom of God in the New Testament, as are liars, thief's, adulterers and so on.
Not much confusion around "interpretation" with this issue.
In the latter times even Christians will fall victim to the "Doctrine of the Devils" so just have your armor on, and use your spirit to discern. Make sure you don't fall into it.
"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry......" (1st Timothy 4:1-3).


Best wishes!

Answer 7

I simply move on if they don't agree but I go for the truth and the truth is in the bible people can't change the word.

Leviticus, Chapter 20, Verse 13 reads:

If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.


Romans chapter1

22. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

25. Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen

Answer 8

The bible is clear on certain matters and is not subject to interpretation. If God declares homosexuality as something unnatural and detestable, who are we to "interpret" it to mean that it is tolerable? If I tell a child to pick up the red crayon I don't expect him to pick up the blue one and explain to me how he "interpreted" red to actually mean blue! The bible gives clear insight into God's thinking. Different "interpretations" result from people who recognize God's authority but fail to agree with his standards and so they "interpret" the bible to fit their preferences instead of making the necessary changes to themselves in order to fit God's standards. The bible clearly states that WE must change, not change the bible to our preferences!
Scriptures for thought;
Colossians 2:8
Proverbs 3:5, 6
Ephesians 4:20- 24
1 Corinthians 6:9- 11

One last thought- you said it was an issue between two consenting adults and their God- so is two adults robbing a bank together. In both cases, just because the two adults consent doesn't make it right and get God's approval! If you knew someone was robbing banks would you not try to help them see the error of their way and turn back from that course of life? Jesus said we should help such ones!

Answer 9

Now, you are giving your opinion of it. Why is it ok for you to have an opinion, but not others.
Besides, it is a sin. God calls it sin. There is no other way to interpret it. Sin is Sin.
And, you're right about it being between them and God, however, if they practice this sin, and want to still be included in the BODY OF CHRIST, WHICH IS THE CHURCH, then it is our business. We are allowed to judge within the body of Christ. If someone was stealing from someone, and they did it all the time, would you say they belonged in the Body of Christ? Or if someone was committing adultry, and did it all the time, would you say they belonged in the Body of Christ? If someone committed murder every day, would you say they belonged in the Body of Christ? Of course not. These are all sins, and they do not belong in the Body of Christ, and so is homosexuality, but, this world has gotten so TOLERANT in their views, that they are just choosing one sin over the other. God said this would happen in the end times. Do you see my point? Sin is sin is sin is sin.

Answer 10

I would say keep an open mind, share your view, and move on.

For instance, you seem to be an enabler for the sin that is homosexuality.

Heres My view of the issue:

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Homosexuality, whether by choice or not by choice, is a sin.

However it is no better or worse than the sins of any other man.

The problem is that people want to "celebrate" this sin.

Would you celebrate that you are a liar? Would you celebrate murdering someone? Would you celebrate blaspheming? Would you celebrate any birth defect that compels you to sin?

Well then why would you celebrate using G-ds temple in a way other than which it was intended by the creator himself?

That is even a bigger perversion than the sin itself.


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Regardless of how you would like to distort G-ds word to suit you, there is only One version of the Truth.

Two people with opposite views of the truth necessitates that someone be wrong.

And now I will move on.