Why is it that when I interpret the Bible differently or disagree with some people they?

Question

say I'm not much of a Christian and I don't know the Bible? What's up with that?

Answer 1

Keri Gee, I posted this answer twice already today, maybe it will help you to understand this phenomena as well:

Many people of all religions (but especially the christian variety) tend to read things into the written word that simply aren't there. This is an aquired trait, and comes from reading statements and looking to find hidden meanings in those statements.

For example, take this passage from Matthew 5:17, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

18For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

19Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

20For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven."

From reading this it is clear that Jesus is saying that unless you uphold ALL of the laws and commandments, all 613 of them, you can't get into heaven. He makes it clear that all of the laws are still in effect, and anyone that teaches otherwise will NOT be allowed into heaven. No question about it, it says it plain as day.

Yet, somehow "christians" have learned to read the exact opposite into this statement. They take the part that says "fulfil" and twist that into meaning that Jesus said that they don't have to live by the law anymore, because he fulfilled it. This is nowhere to be found in the words in which Jesus spoke, but some OTHER guy named Paul said otherwise. So they take Paul's word instead of Jesus' word about what Jesus said.

Same thing applies to everyone else. They take our questions and statements and put it into the context of what someone else said about them or their personal interpretation of such, instead of the context in which you said or asked whatever it was. They don't pay attention to what was said. They pick certain pieces of what was said and apply either their own personal interpretation or simply what someone else told them those pieces mean. After doing so, they answer what they THINK you mean accordingly and inappropriately. That's why some just can't stay on topic. They've been trained NOT to do so.

Taking this into consideration, and the fact that no two congregations or religious leaders are exactly the same, it's easy to see how different people can come to different conclusions about the same passages, unless they decide to let the words speak for themselves instead of trying to interpret them.

I don't need to tell you about the christian judgmentality, you've witnessed it first-hand for yourself.

Answer 2

Many people feel that the way to interpret the bible is only one. Even those who don't feel that way may feel that there are limits to where 'right ways to interpret' can be and where 'wrong ways to interpret' start. The thing is, if you disagree very strongly with someone's opinion to the point of being opposite, then they may feel you're uninformed and irreligious. I'm sorry that's how people are, but it's a good thing that you are at least open minded and interpret; I hope you can find some more open-minded poeple who're willing to consider your own ideas as valid instead of insulting you.

Answer 3

If you think about it, the Bible speaks for itself. Interpretation is mainly a hermeneutic tool for those who are new to the study of the bible. As for disagreeing, give me an example and let's see if we're both on the same sheet of music. That would be a good place to start. Chances are we'd both draw the same meaning from the same verse. Then again, maybe not.

Answer 4

I certainly don't mean for this to be a spiteful attack, if that is what it seems to be, it's not my intention. I hope this is helpful. What you have described is the fundamental problem with the Protestant religion:

If every sincere interpretation is to be ascribed to the Holy Spirit, this can only mean that God the Holy Spirit inspires totally irreconcilable and contradictory understandings - an unthinkable absurdity.

The practical proof of the insufficiency of the Bible as a rule of faith is the diversity of belief among Protestants, every extravagance of doctrine being professedly based on someone's interpretation of sacred text - and no agreed authority to settle disputes even over fundamental doctrines.

Answer 5

If you are that confident you have the right interpretation so be it. Just remember though, interpretations are subject to the spiritual maturity of the interpreters. Usually, the more matured the better the interpretation. You are lucky, I would think. Preachers are unlikely to adopt changes. Once they broadcast their own brand of interpretation and later discovered their interpretation needs revision they would likely pressured to keep the old view to keep their followers and sustain credibility. We, the bystanders, have more rooms to evolve and adopt to changes easily and embrace a broader spiritual spectrum.

Be blessed.

Answer 6

keri-

First, if we are a "Christian", we are not to judge others. (Christians are supposed to judge themselves by the word of God).

Secondly, God has given the rules by which we are to interpret the Bible. It is a very difficult book! Here are the rules of Bible interpretation:

1). Jesus spoke in parables. "And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it.
But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples." (Mark 4:33, 34). **A parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning.

2). We have to compare Scripture with Scripture to arrive at truth. "Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual." (1 Corinthians 2:13). **This means that we cannot take 1 verse and think we have the whole story. We have to see how God uses a particular word or phrase throughout the entire Bible to understand its meaning. Remember also that we are looking for the "spiritual" meaning. For example, "drunkeness" when it is used in the Bible often refers to a false gospel-a gospel that blinds people and leads to hell.

3). We have to read everything the Bible says about a topic before we arrive at truth. "Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.
For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:" (Isaiah 28:9, 10). **We learn slowly. God teaches us a little truth here and a little there. Bible study takes time and work. DO NOT trust what you read in theologians books-they have been trained in colleges where they learn certain verses to support the doctrines their denomination holds. Often, there are books in the Bible they have not even read or understand!

4). Pray to God for understanding. "And he (Jesus) said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures," (Luke 24:44, 45).

I hope this will help you. May the Lord bless you.

Answer 7

Human arrogance, pure and simple. They are convinced that only THEIR version is the correct one, when in truth the Bible can be interpreted in a multitude of ways. Ignore what others think - they aren't right just because they say they are.

Answer 8

Knowing and understanding everything in the Bible is not necessary to be a good Christian, but you can be a better Christian and witness to others if you know and understand the Bible.

grace2u

Answer 9

Have you received the Holy Spirit through the new birth?


"He (Jesus) said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms."

Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures."

Luke 24:44-45

same event as what is recorded in John's Gospel in these words:
"On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit." John 20:19-22

Ask Jesus to breathe on you!

Answer 10

Forget about others.
Ask yourself: "Am I approaching the Word of God in reverence and respect towards the Author?"

1 This is what the LORD says:
"Heaven is my throne,
and the earth is my footstool.
Where is the house you will build for me?
Where will my resting place be?
2 Has not my hand made all these things,
and so they came into being?"
declares the LORD.
"This is the one I esteem:
he who is humble and contrite in spirit,
and trembles at my word.

Isaiah 66:1-2

"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."
Hebrews 4:12-13