Should Bible reading and interpretation be done only by priests and scholars, or can the average person study on their own? I was brought up to believe we leave the teaching to the church but I am wanting to study on my own to grow in my faith. Is this a sin?
2007-10-31 03:30:35 · 29 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Read Scripture.It emphatically states it is for everyone and not the province of "priests",scholars,and modern day Pharisees.It is self-interpreting.
2007-10-31 05:21:40 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
No it is not a sin. Each belief of Christianity made up silly rules because of the class system in the early years of Europe. Only scholars, priests, and nobles could read at that time and anyone that had learned to read were considered heretics or blasphemers when it came to the "holy" scriptures. Even some commoners were considered witches because they could read and write especially in Latin and the kings English. This is why many commoners aspired to be knights, pages, or honored servants of the nobles so they would have a chance to learn to read and write.
You also had to be wealthy enough to hire a personal tutor or decide to become a priest to get any education.
If you start to read the scriptures you will see that the truth to understanding your beliefs and what your beliefs are told to everyone. There is even a part where Jesus speaks to the masses and says that the Holy scriptures of God in the Torah are for everyone. And asks the priests if they are afraid that God may look unfavorable on you if the Truth was told as it was meant to be, for all the world?
Each person takes from it what they perceive and determine their personal relationship with God. Always study about why, how, and where you believe. There are a lot of inconsistencies with all religious books and to weed out the truth you must study and believe what YOU personally believe is the truth. If not, then you follow blindly with no consequences.
Blessed be and Peace
2007-10-31 10:45:15 · answer #2 · answered by Karma of the Poodle 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could try. You would need to understand it from a scholarly view however. If you were brought "up to believe we leave the teaching to church", then you have a problem.
Actually Amy Jill Levin a very well known professor of OT theology and is a good place to start. People who teach it at a bible study use their personal interpretation, are usually uneducated and THINK they are serving the people of the church.
Scholars are highly educated and pass along the information in an intelligent uniform way. Which bible were you going to read - The Septuagint, or KJV. And NO, it is NOT a sin.
2007-10-31 10:45:32 · answer #3 · answered by Tricia R 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No, it's not a sin! You SHOULD study the Bible on your own. Revelation comes by the Holy Spirit to you as an individual as you read the Word of God. You've got your own personal guide.
This doesn't mean you should avoid the church though. The church was established for your benefit, so that you can have fellowship with other Christians and learn from them as well. Truth will never contradict scripture, but not all truth is found in the book. It's everywhere.
2007-10-31 10:39:25 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have never heard of such. Even my old grandmother had a bible next to her bed & use to read it every day. I know that in olden times when the majority of people were uneducated it was obvious that the priests & scholars had to do the interpretating & reading for those who couldnt, but that was centuries ago.
And why do you ask if it is a sin. How could it be a sin to want to know God more? Blessed are those who hunger & thirst after righteousness.
2007-10-31 10:44:27 · answer #5 · answered by Ethslan 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
When I read my Bible in the privacy of my own home, I depend on the Holy Spirit to give me understanding of the scriptures I'm reading. The Holy Spirit is the only One qualified to interpret God's Word for a Christian. It is commendable that you have a desire to study on your own and grow in faith. Just pray before and after reading and ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate your mind. God bless you!!!
2007-10-31 10:39:42 · answer #6 · answered by Virginia B (John 16:33) 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The word is for all. In fact the Bible says that you should read the Word everyday of your life. If the people interpreting the Bible are not following what the Bible says then you should not be following those people. Read the Word!
2007-10-31 10:33:40 · answer #7 · answered by a_talis_man 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
No,I have studied the Bible since I was a child 11 years old.I do not agree with the way many interpret.
2007-10-31 10:36:27 · answer #8 · answered by gwhiz1052 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How do you think they did it before the church existed? The Holy Spirit is just as capable of guiding you as it is a priest. Be like the Bereans and search the Bible for yourself to see if what the church says is true.
2007-10-31 10:38:57 · answer #9 · answered by The GMC 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You do not need another man to interpret the Bible for you, unless you need help...The Bible was given to you to learn more about Him...The Holy Spirit will reveal more and more to you as you grow in the Word...Jesus is looking for a relationship with you...and His love letters to us...is a great start...
2007-10-31 10:35:54 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋