If you believe in the bible word for word doesn't that mean you have to believe everything like:
slavery is OK: "Your male and female slaves are to come from the nations around you..."(Leviticus 25:44-45)
it is wrong to have a field with two kinds of crops:"...do not plant your field with two kinds of seed. Do not wear material woven of two kinds of material." (Leviticus 19:19)
You can't eat shellfish: "But all in the seas or in the rivers that do not have fins and scales, all that move in the water or any living thing which is in the water, they are an abomination to you." (Leviticus 11:10)
This website gives more examples:
http://www.fallwell.com/ingnored%20old%20testament%20verses.html
In case you do not follow the bible word for word:
Doesn't that mean that the Bible is supposed to be interpreted?
Then who is in charge of the interpretation?
Is it up to every person to interpret the Bible themselves?
I'm just asking, serious answers are appreciated...
2007-12-11 11:08:00 · 14 answers · asked by thatsneakyguy 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The Bible and the God its intended to represent are not interchangeable. The Bible is man's interpretation of God's message. Man is limited to his own concepts to explain the Universe. The original books were passed by oral tradition for centuries before transcription and canonization. You wouldn't suppose some of the speakers took creative liberties would you? If God is perfect, then all the tales of wrath, and vengeance are fear mongering tactics to scare people into believing. A perfect god does not feel anger, only love for he knows the hearts of all men and understands every move they make and why. There's no way to validate what is true and what is synthetic. So take from it what you like, the main message is still the same regardless of trivial tangents and outdated societal expectations. Be good to one another. Do not be iniquitous, love thy neighbor, do not judge. Are these not good morals? You must use common sense and follow what makes sense to you. Spirituality is personal as reality is subjective. If you keep the key tenets you can more easily discern which parts were added by imperfects. These ideals can be maintained outside of religion, it's your choice if you do or not. Think about it.
2007-12-11 11:16:00 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
You're right, it means EXACTLY that the Bible has to be interpreted. There's no way to read the Bible (or really any text, other than on the most superficial level) without interpreting it. As far as who's in charge of the interpretation, in the end everyone does have to decide for themselves what they believe.
The Church historically had a monopoly on interpretation, because most people didn't even have access to the texts. It wasn't until the printing press and translating the scriptures into common language came along with the Reformation that people began interpreting it for themselves. The Catholic Church understood the perils of that: there are now some 30,000 sects and denominations within Protestantism. But they failed to provide for the fact that still, everyone who reads and hears the word is going to come up with some sense of what it means. And if the interpretation they're getting from the Church doesn't make sense, they're going to look for other explanations.
Personally, I think you have to look at what the scripture says, interpret them within their historical context, look at what the scriptures have meant to the Jewish and Christian communities throughout history (i.e. traditional interpretations), and examine your own beliefs and spiritual experiences within the light of Reason.
Peace to you.
2007-12-11 19:20:23 · answer #2 · answered by Orpheus Rising 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At its heart, the Bible is a very spiritual book meant to be spiritually discerned by men and women of God filled with His Holy Spirit. The word is living and active and so powerful - the exact same scripture can mean different things to me at different times in my life depending on my differing circumstances.
This may seem confusing to an unbeliever but that is the Bible at its core - a parable for the saved, not a textbook for the damned.
2007-12-11 19:17:50 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need to be more familiar with the Bible. It is divided into two sections. The second section called the New Testament deals with Christ and the church - ie Christians. All of your quotes are taken out of the 1 st secton called the Old Testament. If you want to know what Christians believe and follow read the New Testament.
2007-12-11 19:18:04 · answer #4 · answered by oldguy63 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Everything you quoted is from Old Testament which was given by God to HIS own people Israelites. It is called as the Law of God, sometimes called as Law of Moses too. Now we are not in OT Times and not under law any more because now no one can be saved by law anymore. We can be saved only by the Blood of Jesus Christ.
Now we are under New Testament (grace period). In this New Testament period, who ever believes in Christ is a Christian and can eat whatever food that is blessed by God.
Since we are in NT Times, it doesn’t mean that we do not need OT any more because the glories and shadows of Christ are hidden in OT right from the first chapter of Genesis to the last chapter of Malachi.
2007-12-11 19:18:07 · answer #5 · answered by John 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Serious answer; the scriptures and the 'Bible' do not currently match in most cases in USDA presently; there are 'things' added into a 'Bible' that are not identical with scripture.Therefore, no I do not accept all the 'Bible' currently in USA usually.
2007-12-11 19:20:25 · answer #6 · answered by jefferyspringer57@sbcglobal.net 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because the Bible was written so long ago, they spoke, and wrote, differently than from today. Therefore, it is neccesary to interpret, yes.
God is in charge of interpreting the Bible for us, and it is up to us to listen to him explain what it means.
I hope my answer helped!
2007-12-11 19:13:37 · answer #7 · answered by Professor Cuddles III 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some Christians do. Some see it as inspired, but needing interpretation. For one, it is not a work of history in the way we look at history today. For instance, much mythology is worked into the narratives of Noah and Adam and Eve.
2007-12-11 19:17:13 · answer #8 · answered by Ace Librarian 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes I believe all of scripture is given by inspiration of God, just as the bible tells us.
I don't believe this because someone told me to; I've been studying the bible for ten years.
The spirit of God, which lives in a born again believer in Christ, is what gives us discernment of His word.
If you're going to list the OT laws, you'd better get going; there are hundreds of them *smile*. Gentile believers were never under Levitical law. As Jesus said, "love God with all your heart, soul and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself; in these two, are all the laws and the prophets fulfilled".
2007-12-11 19:12:37 · answer #9 · answered by Esther 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
people interpret the bible differently, im a christian and dont abide by the bible, word-for-word. I believe that it is up to every person to interpret the bible, and go by what they want to
2007-12-11 19:17:14 · answer #10 · answered by c4melo 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋