Correct interpretation is a process called exegesis it is a detailed and through process. One of the foundations of this science is the literary and cultural context as well as the topical context of the passage as a whole.
Most often the groups that fall into error, do a great deal of "proof texting" or building a teaching on an isolated (and often obscure) verse. Any time this is done and context is not provided, one should be wary. There is much more to this process but this is a great starting point.
2007-11-19 07:37:17
·
answer #1
·
answered by δοῦλος Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ 5
·
2⤊
0⤋
That DOES seem to be the question... I feel that you must read and study yourself. It is almost impossible that the "Bible" has remained unchanged throughout the millennia. I do feel that there is an overarching message given though and that where you find things that are inconsistent to that message, that is where the misunderstanding of men has worked its way into the scriptures. I personally feel that Jesus treated people with love, patience(though not without end), and understanding so that is the example I try to live up to. So many people will seize on one small example from the teachings and that will be their reason for existence. That is where 'fundamentalist' teachings originate and I feel that most fundamentalists are twisting the message to serve their own small minded goals. We are not the sword, Jesus will be when he returns, till then just study and try to help folks. Lead the best life you can and try not to be too judgemental, I know how hard it is to avoid, lol. Jesus is my Saviour. Ohhh, and as far as diverging interpretations go, I believe that someone truly inspired by God will write things in such a way as to help as many people as possible. What you get from The Word will have a direct bearing on your life and may not be exactly what I get from It. That DOES NOT mean that we are each being misled. As an example, I can point to probably 10 or more different quotes that will support a belief in science and evolution but you will never get most fundamentalists to actually see them as tools of God. The fundamentalists want only a literal interpretation of The Word and miss a much larger message. The literal interpretation can often lead you down a wrong path, if you don't look at the larger picture, and is subject to the vagaries of misinterpretation that easily have worked there way into the Scripture and continue to do so.
2007-11-19 08:04:14
·
answer #2
·
answered by cosmcruncher 2
·
1⤊
0⤋
Get your theology from theologians, not from some guy hanging out in front of the Burger King. I see a lot of questions where the asker looks at an answer posted by an anonymous user, and then assumes that the answer is Christians dogma. Sometimes that isn't the case. I, for one, don't believe in demons. Interpretations of Scripture are either based on logic, reason and the opinions of trained secular scholars, or they are based on assumptions and wishful thinking. Simple as that.
2007-11-19 07:32:12
·
answer #3
·
answered by NONAME 7
·
2⤊
1⤋
"demons" I'm not so sure about.
as background, I'm mostly an agnostic who
has read the Bible a few times all the way
and presently don't think that it "came from God" (sic)
- - - - -
"interpretations" :
from "results"
there *do* seem to be some good ideas in the Bible
and one that comes to mind is
"by the fruit, you will know the tree"
(attributed to Jesus)
where people use the Bible to hurt others,
burn people, enslave people, steal life ,
property, land ... I say that this interprtetation
-set denotes a poisonous "tree" ... and NOT
the metaphorical "tree of life"
making the Bible itself more like toolkit,
with some parts good and some parts bad
"all or nothing" ... <==== sorta brainless
correct? ... dunno .. but I don't claim perfection
and don't believe anyone who does make that claim
2007-11-19 11:20:07
·
answer #4
·
answered by atheistforthebirthofjesus 6
·
1⤊
0⤋
Brethren,
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2007-11-19 07:42:58
·
answer #5
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
0⤋
because the correct interpretation's represenative will win the best 2 out of 3 rock paper scisors contest against the imposter's representatives.
2007-11-19 07:37:10
·
answer #6
·
answered by Anonymous
·
2⤊
1⤋
I looked into the lives of the men who canonized the bible, and after reading that they owned multiple young concubines, and murdered people for political gain, I realized that the New Testament must be a trick of satan.
2007-11-19 07:31:22
·
answer #7
·
answered by ɹɐǝɟsuɐs Blessed Cheese Maker 7
·
3⤊
2⤋
If it uses the Bible to enslave rather than liberate people. Classic example: Whites used the Bible to support slavery of Blacks.
2007-11-19 07:38:31
·
answer #8
·
answered by Averell A 7
·
1⤊
2⤋
Why interpretate it in the first place just take it as it is and if you are christian, live it..!!
2007-11-19 07:33:06
·
answer #9
·
answered by Terry M 5
·
1⤊
2⤋
Dart board
2007-11-19 07:30:04
·
answer #10
·
answered by Anonymous
·
3⤊
3⤋