|
How should we interpret the Bible?
Firstly we should never take it for granted that we have easy access to the Scriptures. About the time of the reformation William Tyndale literally translated the Bible into English whilst on the run and being pursued by those trying to take his life for doing so. Thomas Cranmer was burnt alive for his defense of the same and I hear people trying to edit sections of the Holy Bible that they are uncomfortable with and that contradicts their preconceived opinions!
In this day and age, liberals and those advocating higher criticism, meet together and effectively mutilate the true meaning of scripture, by deciding which parts of scripture should be interpreted literally and which parts should be removed and which parts were supposedly written at a later date, than they were actually written, because the content provided is uncomfortably accurate. The date of the writing of the book of Daniel, was questioned for the above reason, as it provides such an accurate depiction of the Empires that succeeded the Babylonian one. I recommend a visit to the British Museum which contains historical items relating to the book of Daniel, from the time when it was written, verifying the Biblical record.
The best commentary on Holy Scripture is Scripture itself, which helps us to understand its meaning. For example a detailed analysis of the gospel of John and the epistles of John, will reveal that the epistles of John are basically a commentary on John's gospel.
Also a verse or even a passage should not be read in isolation to form an opinion, but it should be understood in the context of the whole passage, book or even better the whole Bible. Many people can derive wayward theologies from using a particular verse out of context, to suit their own agenda, instead of interpreting the verse, in the light of the rest of Scripture.
Bible passages should be read literally in their common sense plain meaning, unless it is obvious that it relates to a symbolic truth. For example we know that Jesus isn't a literal lion or a lamb, but two of His titles are 'Lamb of God' and the 'Lion of Judah'. Since the creation story provides a systematic non-allegorical description of the garden of Eden (each day of creation is treated literally, morning passed and evening came and as Adam is listed in a literal chronological framework in Genesis 5, 1 Chronicles 1, Matthew 1 and Luke 3) and agrees with Rev 22 with the chance to eat from the tree of life, we should interpret these passages in their clear literal intended meaning.
If allegorical or symbolic explanations are given for the creation story and the flood etc, interpreting the Bible becomes at best guesswork and we are actually saying we know more and better than its writers and since it was inspired of the Holy Spirit we are pretending that we know more than God without realising it!
Therefore we should be grateful that we have a relative degree of religious freedom in this country and should be continually meditating on it (See Joshua 1v8, Psalms 1v2). Also revelation comes from the Holy Spirit so we are not reliant on a Priest to give us their interpretation. William Tyndale was an extremely intelligent man conversant in several languages also and his wish was that the ploughman should know more of the Scriptures than the priest. Whilst in prison his last request was a Hebrew Bible!
Lastly due to the historical/cultural and linguistic difficulties, certain parts of the Bible can prove difficult to understand, but didn't James say 'if any of you lack wisdom, let Him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.' (James 1v5) Please if you are reading this and you just remember one thing, keep diligently reading your Bible and ask God to reveal its truth to you. There is no need to walk around stumbling like a blind man unsure of how to read the Bible as Jesus said 'You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free' (John 8v32) and didn't Jeremiah prophesy to those in exile 'And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall seek for me with all your heart.' (Jer 29v13) Amen |
