First off, I don't read the Bible as much as I want to, and nowhere near as much as I should. Secondly, I come from a background that has taught me "how" to read the Bible, maybe a bit too well. I can take verses in context, and see how they mean what I want them to mean, and then turn around with the same verses and interpret them the opposite direction. I'm not saying I understand the Bible perfectly, b/c I know I don't, but I don't read it because I don't want to think that I am interpreting things in my "favor" just because that's what I want to hear. And NO, I'm not saying the Bible contradicts itself, either. I guess I want to understand better without thinking that I only see what I want to see. Does this make any sense?
Thanks all!
2007-11-27 05:43:19 · 13 answers · asked by herfinator 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It makes perfect sense. The Bible has a very powerful message and great spiritual wisdom in its pages. That's why people find it difficult to understand and some people hatefully despise it.
The Bible itself tells us how to read it. Ain't that something; an instruction book with its own instructions? Jesus said that "for the kingdom of God belongs to such (children) as these" in Matt 19:14. He also stated how we are to seek the Truth in Matt 11:25 - "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children."
Get a good plain English version and pray about it daily. Then, we are to read the Bible with an open heart and humility. Like that of a child eager to listen and learn. He will reveal to us as much as we are ready for. It takes time.
The misinterpretation done by so many is simply the result of mere men (and mere women) trying to bend the words of Almighty God (eisegesis). It just doesn't work that way. You end up with some really stupid assertions from non-believers and bold faced lies from pastors to suit their own mischievous purposes.
The more you read without reading into it the more of its message of love and hope you'll ingest spiritually. This will strengthen your faith, give you clarity through the confusion and haze of the world and its deadly philosophies, and place you on a solid foundation. Unlike the foundation of sand most of the world rests on, your foundation will be on Christ. He is our 'Chief Cornerstone'. The Bible is His Testimony.
In the same way that you wouldn't argue with Him. Don't let yourself argue with His words in the book. Just listen.
2007-11-27 06:33:28 · answer #1 · answered by F'sho 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"2 Peter 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost."
The Bible is not to be "personally interpreted"; rather, one must allow the Holy Spirit to interpret Scripture for you, since it was the Holy Spirit that gave Scripture to those holy men of God in the first place.
In order to get a better idea of what the Bible says on a certain subject, don't take verses out of context, but rather search the Bible for every time that subject is discussed, then put them all together and the meaning should become clear. This is when a good concordance comes in really handy.
2007-11-27 05:56:50 · answer #2 · answered by FUNdie 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, do not let your heart break! If you fail to discipline her now while she is young, she will really break your heart when she is a teenager or younger! Most of the time with some kids they do not need spankings. There are those times that they really do. She should not need anything like that yet, she is only two! But one day she will defy you and test your authority!(All kids do) You will need to set firm rules and when she crosses over the line make sure she does not violate them again! I am not saying to beat her without mercy. I am saying a few well deserved swats on the backside will spare her and you much pain and sorrow later on.Example: Crossing the street without permission when they are 5(my boys did this)! You know and I know that this can mean death from a passing auto. There needs to be a way to impress on her mind how serious this matter is! Another example: Putting her hands on a hot stove. If she insists on this she can be burned really bad. Playing with matches,we all have heard stories of how kids burn down houses with people in them from playing with matches! These issues need to be addressed. One must never hit out of anger but out of your love and concern for the child's well being. My little granny switched my bottom all the time, I did not die. I grew up knowing that there were a set of rules that I did not dare break. I knew there were consequences for breaking rules. She also instilled in us a love for God. A sense of fairness and a desire to please the Lord! Pray over this, the Lord will direct you!
2016-05-26 03:11:53 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dear Friend,
Perhaps you are going about this all wrong. Let's take some Scripture verses and apply them and see what happens okay?
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are FOOLISHNESS unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 2:14
You are trying to read the Bible in the natural when you need the Holy Spirit ...The Teacher to teach you in the "spiritual."
Otherwise, the Bible just seems "foolish." Does that make sense?
The only way a person can understand and apply God's Word in their daily life, is that they have in fact "asked" Jesus into their life to be their personal Savior. To agree with God that they have sinned against Him, and that they NEED a Savior. Jesus Christ. Of course, God knows your heart as to whether you are sincere or not. God will then send His Comforter, Protector, and Teacher...the Power of the Holy Spirit (His Spirit) into you and HE WILL teach you about the things of the "spirit." Does that make sense?
2 Corinthians4:4 says, "In whom the god of this world hath BLINDed the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God,
should shine unto them."
Have you ever tried to learn a different language on your own? It would help to have a "personal" tutor...wouldn't it? That ...is what the Holy Spirit becomes, your personal tutor and teaches you the things in the spiritual realm where our God reigns. Otherwise, in the natural...it all seems foolish.
God "knows" your heart... if (condtional), you are hungry for absolute truth.
A child of the King,
lostnsavd...
"Christian's are right-side-up, in an up-side-down world."
2007-11-27 15:24:25 · answer #4 · answered by lostnsavd 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely. The reason that you are able to see different interpretaions is no accident. It was written that way. There actually 3 folds of interpretation.
#1. Primary association - What does this mean to the person or people it is being written to.
#2. Personal application - How can I apply this to my life?
#3. Prophetical anticipation - What does this mean for the future?
2007-11-27 05:51:44 · answer #5 · answered by redfeather1972 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Stop knocking yourself.
No one person has a total handle on the teachings in the Bible. We are mere mortals, how can we fathom the things and mind of Almighty God? Does it not say we "know in part and understand in part"? That we "see darkly"?
I have heard renowned ministers of the word of God confess to not fully grasping God's full meaning but they admit that they believe Him and that's enough. He wants our faith not our rationalisation.
2007-11-27 05:56:38 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try a spiritual understanding of the Bible instead of literal.
Using it for its intended purpose...internal change.
"clean the inside of the cup and platter, so that the outside of them may become clean." Jesus
2007-11-27 06:05:52 · answer #7 · answered by Sandra L. Butler 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would ask: Where does it say in the Bible that all teaching must be found in the Bible? IT DOES NOT.
The Bible speaks highly of traditions, as in 1 Corinthians 11:2: “Now I praise you because you remember me in everything and hold firmly to the TRADITIONS, just as I delivered them to you.”
In 2 Thessalonians 2:15 tradition is actually placed on the same level as the written word: “..stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.”
The Bible also says it’s the Church that is the foundation of truth: “..you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15).
If every thing must be read in the Bible then why does the Bible say that it is HEARING, NOT READING, that is important: “How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14) Did it say READ? NO. it said “HEARD”.
The Catholic Church is the only institution endowed with divine grace to properly interpret the Scriptures. People who interpret the Scripture themselves actualY violate Biblical teaching: “But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation” (2 Peter 1:20).
Jesus promised, "I will build my Church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it" (Matt. 16:18). Among the Christian churches, only the Catholic Church has existed since the time of Jesus. Every other Christian church is an offshoot of the Catholic Church. The Eastern Orthodox churches broke away from unity with the pope in 1054. The heretical protestant churches were established during the Reformation, which began in 1517. Only the Catholic Church existed in the tenth century, in the fifth century, and in the first century, faithfully teaching the doctrines given by Christ to the apostles, omitting nothing. The list of popes can be traced back to Peter himself, the first pope. Here is a list:
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12272b.htm
Jesus’ Church is called catholic ("universal" in Greek) because it is his gift to all people. He told his apostles to go throughout the world and make disciples of "all nations" (Matt. 28:19–20). For 2,000 years the Catholic Church has carried out this mission, preaching the good news that Christ died for all men and that he wants all of us to be members of his universal family (Gal. 3:28). Learn more at this link:
http://www.catholic.com/library/Pillar.asp
2007-11-27 05:47:26 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋
The Bible contains spiritual truth. You must read it spiritually in order to understand it. It should be read prayerfully. It is not like other books. When you read it prayerfully it talks to you. It reveals itself to you. And you don't have to work at it anymore.
2007-11-27 05:51:00 · answer #9 · answered by Ruth 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
For what I read you can read the Bible but you don't understand any of it, go to your religious leader and read with him so he can help you understad it better.
2007-11-27 05:49:18 · answer #10 · answered by Patrick "Paddy" Murphy 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋