Martin Luther, the father of Protestantism, broke away from Catholicism, one reason being that he challenged the Pope's authority to interpret scripture. Protestantism was founded on the idea that all Christians are part of a "general priesthood", and therefore have the ability to interpret scripture for themselves.
That being said, why is there is so many arguments between Protestants on the "right way" to interpret scripture, considering that one of the reasons Protestantism EXISTS is so that we have the right to interpret scripture ourselves?
We may disagree on certain things, but doesn't saying that any Protestant "is not a Christian" because of their particular interpretation undermine part of the foundation of Protestantism itself?
2007-12-05 02:22:18 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Okay -- but what I'm saying it, who has the right to speak for the Holy Spirit?
2007-12-05 02:26:52 · update #1
We interpret scripture ourselves. Yes, it's true that the Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth, but we still have to filter everything through our own minds. That's the fundamental reason why we have so many denominations. We all have the same Bible, essentially. We just don't all interpret it the same way. You hit it right on the head. The gatekeepers are never happy with the prospect of decentralization.
Edit: With respect to the Holy Spirit, how do you know when it's the Holy Spirit and not your own thoughts? Even still, everything is still filtered through our minds. It's easy to pass the buck off on the Holy Spirit, and not take responsibility for ourselves. I'm not saying the Holy Spirit doesn't exist, but I am saying we need to be careful what we attribute to the Holy Spirit...
2007-12-05 03:21:16 · answer #1 · answered by Sweetfeet 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
With all due respect, the Church interprets the Scriptures- period. The Holy Spirit certainly gives us understanding, but the Church clears up the misconceptions we might have.
Martin Luther didn't break away from the Roman Catholic Church; he was excommunicated. His intent was never to create a new church, but rather to change some of the wrong teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. He changed what was necessary in order to be in harmony with Scripture and left the rest alone. The notion that the Bible is self-interpretting is NOT what is implied by the principle of Sola Scriptura, yet this is what is happening today in the Church. That's one of the main reasons we have a kazillion denominations with just as many interpretations. We tend to throw out the work of the early Church Fathers far too quickly. Their writings are those of men who were in the same area where Jesus walked, and far closer to that same time.Traditional understandings- IF need be- should be replaced with great reluctance and hesitiation, not with the haste we see today. We are to conform to these teachings and to the image of Christ, not the other way around.
The Church interprets Scripture, not us.
Peace,
Drew
2007-12-05 02:39:01 · answer #2 · answered by That Guy Drew 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Delylah, thank you. I've asked this question about four times, and they always seem to worm their way out of it. These people make no sense interpret the bible for yourself, but if the Holy Spirit doesn't lead you to my view of god your a heretic. I rather stick with the Catholic view that the Holy Spirit leads the bishops of the Church to the right interpretation rather than the Protestant view. This is one of the things that turned me away from Christianity. By the way congratulations on your girl, I have three of my own.
2007-12-05 04:44:07 · answer #3 · answered by STAR POWER=) 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Interpretation is a life long challenge that really never stops. You have to let scripture interpret scripture by daily reading. Part of your normal prayer life should be to ask for clarity in your interpretation of what you read.
I don't think we have the freedom to interpret the way we choose on a whim. We better be prepared and sure before we spread any message. Don't be afraid to say "I don't know, I will look into it". Better to be silent than a false preacher.
2007-12-05 02:46:56 · answer #4 · answered by kadisciples 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are certain doctrines that are we differ in that are really not really important. However there are certain doctrines that all Christianity holds to and must be accepted in order to be Christian. You must accept the deity of Jesus. If you deny He is God you are not a Christian. You also must believe in the trinity. There are more but these are the things that are not up for discussion.
There are certain things that some so-called Christians like JW's and mormons believe that just totally go against the Bible. They both believe Jesus is a created being which is totally against what the Bible teaches. Mormons also believe God was once a man. Which is also totally against the Bible. While there are interpretations that differ the major things are agreed on by all Christians.
2007-12-05 02:30:39 · answer #5 · answered by Bible warrior 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Only the Holy Spirit has the right to speak for the Holy Spirit. That is why Paul wrote to the Corinthians, "I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it. No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God's approval."
The way I see it is that the Bible is infallible and divinely inspired and each of us are invited to read it and allow God to speak directly to our hearts. And along the great journey to knowing God, we will naturally have some divisions among us and confusion. But God will lead us into truth. And no man holds all truth...aside from Christ, who opens our minds so we may understand the Scriptures (according to Luke 24:45).
2007-12-05 02:34:56 · answer #6 · answered by whitehorse456 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The Holy Spirit helps those who are truly desiring to know God's Word & will give them the understanding needed to interpret scripture. it is a good thing we have several types of things to help us on this path(Strong's concordance & different Bible versions-I believe the other versions came out because the desire to know more about God's Word) helps us understand & grow to be the people the can be used for Him. I also believe study, prayer, fasting, & consulting others about Bible Truths is also highly important. If I may also add that I just bought a Geneva Bible & it gives the insight that our fore fathers had brought over to this Great country that they had studied also has their very thoughts of how they believed @ the bottom almost every verse its something that I need to deal alot more with. No matter who they are God will give them the guidance needed to help them on their path.
2007-12-05 02:32:34 · answer #7 · answered by Mark K 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Holy Spirit gives us insight. With the aid of pastors and/or teachers (I attended Lutheran schools), we are able to interpret scripture for ourselves. Protestants are certainly Christians--we actually put more stock in Scripture than some other denominations do.
2007-12-05 02:26:25 · answer #8 · answered by Sydney 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Chris has the right answer. The Holy Spirit guides believers in their interpretation and understanding of the scriptures.
2007-12-05 02:25:25 · answer #9 · answered by Rob 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Not bashing your religion, but I find it interesting that many religious people consider the Bible as the "final authority" on all things, yet we are allowed to "interpret" it ourselves.
Doesn't that suggest that the Bible says pretty much whatever we want it to say? I have compared several versions of the Bible and have found many statements that are distinctly different in wording and are also distinctly different in meaning. I have also found contradictory statements. How do Bible scholars explain this?
Again, I am not challenging anyone's right to believe what they want, but I've found that the Bible is an unreliable source for religious arguments.
2007-12-05 02:37:30 · answer #10 · answered by BC 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋