Tuesday, October 30, 2018

More on scriptural interpretation

Some folks blindly accept Bible passages without asking what they mean.  I used to do this.  Some simply take them on face value.  We tend to hold to the ones that we like and ignore the ones that we don't like, but that is a discussion for another day.

Personally, I wish that we had a chance for a redirect, the opportunity to ask the writer for clarification.

Apostle Paul, can I ask you a question?  What did you mean when you said that women should not speak in church?  1 Cor 14:34  Was this directed at one church?  One group of women?  Did you mean it for all women for all time?  Can you come into our culture today and explain yourself?

The ability to ask for clarification would be very helpful.  Unfortunately we don't have the ability to ask the writers for an explanation.  Consequently we need to be very careful about how we apply a particular verse across the board to every situation.  God is bigger than the Bible.

An example came up the other day in a group at church.  Someone asked about the verse from 2 Timothy 3, "all scripture is given by inspiration, and is helpful..."  This is a verse that is held up by many who idolize the Bible.  But personally I would like to ask for a clarification.  Paul, are the words of Deut 21 about stoning a rebellious son, are those inspired?  Are they helpful?

The writers wrote.  The words point us to God.  But we must always rely on God first and foremost.  Before any preacher, before any blogger, before the Bible, we must believe in and trust in God.

Questions, comments and insults are welcomed.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

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I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019

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