who gets to say?
November 28, 2011
The blog returns.
I have been reading the book, “Christianity’s Dangerous Idea” by Alister McGrath. It is a history (and a commentary) on the Protestant Movement from the Reformation period until the present. I love the Reformation era, and McGrath tells the story as a skilled and insightful historian. Martin Luther and the other reformers revolutionized the shape of Christianity by their duel insistence that the Bible should be available in the vernacular (the native tongue) of the people and that each Christian has a right to interpret the Bible. Prior to the Reformation, the Bible was only available in Latin. Thus, only the educated clergy had access to the Scripture. The Church also reserved the right to interpret Scripture. Since the Bible can be interpreted differently, the Church saw itself as the standard. Luther insisted, however, since all Christians belong to “a priesthood of believers,” they should all have the right to interpret the Bible for themselves. He seemed to be surprised by the ramifications of his conclusions. Soon, some of his followers engaged in a dangerous and irresponsible battle, that became known as “The Peasants War of 1525.” When Luther tried to convince them that Scripture taught subjection the governing authorities, the peasants responded: “That’s your interpretation, not ours.” In Switzerland, Huldrych Zwingli and John Calvin worked to reform the Church. They came to some different conclusions than Luther and their respective followers eventually developed serious animosity towards one another. The story continues today. Because we all have the right to interpret Scripture, we continue to split and schism and start new denominations and new churches.
I had a chance to ponder this topic with a few pastors over breakfast recently. Somehow, the movie “Twilight” came up in conversation (Grown men talking about Twilight. I know. Take a break from reading and laugh. Done laughing yet? Ok, let’s move on). Some guys felt strongly against it—others thought it was harmless. And the Bible doesn’t really deal with teenage vamplre and werewolf movies. Then, we started to talk about movies, music, and literature. How do we know what is right and what is wrong? There are a million issues about which reasonable and devoted Christians disagree. So, I ask you—who gets to set the standard? How do you understand the Bible? Do you completely trust a pastor or a mentor? Do you insist on the right to draw your own conclusions? Do you read or listen to certain people who have earned your respect?
Let’s discuss these issues for a week or so. Then, I will post my method of ensuring that I am rightly understanding and applying Scripture.
Go.
Posted by Eddie Ewell on December 28, 2011
The Bible set the standard years ago and from what we learned in the OT it is proven that sins have not changed much over time so we interpret the basic message and laws set by God there would not be much difference in anyone's views. I agree with many comments made that we will be judged alone so our decisions not what someone said will be the determining factor.
The Bible set the standard years ago and from what we learned in the OT it is proven that sins have not changed much over time so we interpret the basic message and laws set by God there would not be much difference in anyone's views. I agree with many comments made that we will be judged alone so our decisions not what someone said will be the determining factor.
Posted by chris poole on December 23, 2011
i believe we have the right to interpret Scripture but first you must be right in your relationship with God. He will give you the answers and the interpretation you are supposed to take from specific passages. I believe when you need to know if something is right or wrong you should ask God and He will give you the correct answer to what is right or wrong.
i believe we have the right to interpret Scripture but first you must be right in your relationship with God. He will give you the answers and the interpretation you are supposed to take from specific passages. I believe when you need to know if something is right or wrong you should ask God and He will give you the correct answer to what is right or wrong.
Posted by Diana Brassfield on December 20, 2011
I believe the Bible clearly sets the standard, and all choices - what we watch, read, listen to..what we allow to influence us, can all be linked to a basic standard. For instance, the Twilight Saga - this is a big deal with the teenagers we work with. Some will argue to the core that there is nothing wrong with a little fiction; thus the same with Harry Potter. On the other hand, there are so many implications that are totally sinful (as in many sitcoms & other movies out these days)...Many make excuses how one is permissable, but not the other- Like watching a movie with all sorts of vulgarity, but they will reem some one out over watching a Twilight movie. Hmmm...double standards aren't so cool either. I honestly think the Bible can settle any thing that has to do with influencing your mind, soul, etc.
I believe the Bible clearly sets the standard, and all choices - what we watch, read, listen to..what we allow to influence us, can all be linked to a basic standard. For instance, the Twilight Saga - this is a big deal with the teenagers we work with. Some will argue to the core that there is nothing wrong with a little fiction; thus the same with Harry Potter. On the other hand, there are so many implications that are totally sinful (as in many sitcoms & other movies out these days)...Many make excuses how one is permissable, but not the other- Like watching a movie with all sorts of vulgarity, but they will reem some one out over watching a Twilight movie. Hmmm...double standards aren't so cool either. I honestly think the Bible can settle any thing that has to do with influencing your mind, soul, etc.
Posted by Tammy Cook on December 18, 2011
Listening to different speakers,books and pastors you sometimes get mixed meaning of how the word is interpreted. We must then read it for ourselves and ask GOD to give us the true meaning.God has blessed me with a great pastor that encourages to seek the true word through the holy spirit in prayer...
Listening to different speakers,books and pastors you sometimes get mixed meaning of how the word is interpreted. We must then read it for ourselves and ask GOD to give us the true meaning.God has blessed me with a great pastor that encourages to seek the true word through the holy spirit in prayer...
Posted by Tony Ross on December 14, 2011
The Holy Spirit sets the standard. You understand the Bible through interpretation. I do believe you can trust you pastor, just remember, he/she is human. You should draw your own conclusion. And you should listen, and read from people who have earned your respect. For me the thing to remember is it is YOUR conclusion, not theirs.
The Holy Spirit sets the standard. You understand the Bible through interpretation. I do believe you can trust you pastor, just remember, he/she is human. You should draw your own conclusion. And you should listen, and read from people who have earned your respect. For me the thing to remember is it is YOUR conclusion, not theirs.
Posted by Jolene on December 13, 2011
There are certain sins that the Bible simply states are sins and that we should stay as far away as possible such as adultery, lying, fornication, etc... However the "sin list" the Bible gives us by no means covers all the sins that we come in contact with everyday.. So who gets to say what sin is...I believe that one of the many beautiful things about Christ is that He cleans us but in different ways and at different times but the end result is the same…to look like Him. So I think to answer your question is that Holy Spirit is the guide to us individually about what is the sin in our lives. We have to be careful to not play the Holy Spirit to other people…but by saying that I do not mean that we need to compromise the truth in any circumstance.
There are certain sins that the Bible simply states are sins and that we should stay as far away as possible such as adultery, lying, fornication, etc... However the "sin list" the Bible gives us by no means covers all the sins that we come in contact with everyday.. So who gets to say what sin is...I believe that one of the many beautiful things about Christ is that He cleans us but in different ways and at different times but the end result is the same…to look like Him. So I think to answer your question is that Holy Spirit is the guide to us individually about what is the sin in our lives. We have to be careful to not play the Holy Spirit to other people…but by saying that I do not mean that we need to compromise the truth in any circumstance.
Posted by Mike Archambault on December 12, 2011
I'm looking forward to take these courses in the spring,hope its all right if I comment on this Blog.I grew up in a denominational setting, that believed lay people were not educated enough to understand scripture, must know Latin,Greek and many years of seminary to begin to understand.They are Wrong. I do insist on the right read the scripture myself,and pray for wisdom and understanding through the Holy Spirit sent to me from my Lord Jesus Christ to help me and comfort me.What I have come to understand that is that the meaning of the scripture changes as our walk with Christ changes. What was revealed to us last week may be something different a year from now.I think that's why its called the Living Word.I do also seek counsel from others, but in the end we will be the one standing in front of our Lord and he has all ready set the standard.
I'm looking forward to take these courses in the spring,hope its all right if I comment on this Blog.I grew up in a denominational setting, that believed lay people were not educated enough to understand scripture, must know Latin,Greek and many years of seminary to begin to understand.They are Wrong. I do insist on the right read the scripture myself,and pray for wisdom and understanding through the Holy Spirit sent to me from my Lord Jesus Christ to help me and comfort me.What I have come to understand that is that the meaning of the scripture changes as our walk with Christ changes. What was revealed to us last week may be something different a year from now.I think that's why its called the Living Word.I do also seek counsel from others, but in the end we will be the one standing in front of our Lord and he has all ready set the standard.
Posted by Doug Hollis on December 11, 2011
Ultimately, we all will stand before God alone to answer for our lives and how we lived. No one else including our pastors, family or friends will be able to speak on our behalf. Scripture states for us to work out our own souls salvation with fear and trembling. Also, to study, the word, to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. All things are given to us to help us along the way to build strong Godly lives. Our pastors do give a direction but I feel that we must prove what anyone says against the Word of God. There are false prophets and doctrines in the world that we must gaurd against. As I originally stated, since no man can answer to God for us, then we must depend upon the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us into all truth.
Ultimately, we all will stand before God alone to answer for our lives and how we lived. No one else including our pastors, family or friends will be able to speak on our behalf. Scripture states for us to work out our own souls salvation with fear and trembling. Also, to study, the word, to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. All things are given to us to help us along the way to build strong Godly lives. Our pastors do give a direction but I feel that we must prove what anyone says against the Word of God. There are false prophets and doctrines in the world that we must gaurd against. As I originally stated, since no man can answer to God for us, then we must depend upon the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us into all truth.
Posted by Denise Piper on December 5, 2011
I believe that the Bible is the ultimate authority of which we should believe. However, there are so many different interpretations of the scripture. I am very prayerful whenever I encounter a 'strange' or different interpretation, than what I have been taught. I know that there were many ideas that I was taught in my 25 years of living for God in a denominational setting, that I do not believe now. I am learning to seek God, through studying the Bible, and being in His presence. When I am in doubt about a teaching, I have learned to wait on God, listen to His voice in my heart and study His word. I do believe in following the Leadership of my Pastor. He is a godly man who seeks God's voice and I trust him. There are times when God wants us to seek Him for ourselves and those times are special times of communion with God. I do not believe in following any man who gives me their opinions only, I want to see it in the Word and to feel it in my spirit. Thank God for the Holy Ghost, Who leads us and guides us into all truth!
I believe that the Bible is the ultimate authority of which we should believe. However, there are so many different interpretations of the scripture. I am very prayerful whenever I encounter a 'strange' or different interpretation, than what I have been taught. I know that there were many ideas that I was taught in my 25 years of living for God in a denominational setting, that I do not believe now. I am learning to seek God, through studying the Bible, and being in His presence. When I am in doubt about a teaching, I have learned to wait on God, listen to His voice in my heart and study His word. I do believe in following the Leadership of my Pastor. He is a godly man who seeks God's voice and I trust him. There are times when God wants us to seek Him for ourselves and those times are special times of communion with God. I do not believe in following any man who gives me their opinions only, I want to see it in the Word and to feel it in my spirit. Thank God for the Holy Ghost, Who leads us and guides us into all truth!
Posted by Amanda on December 4, 2011
Ultimately I rely on the Holy Spirits Illumination of scripture to guide me to the meaning of what I am reading. If I do not understand something, I will definately pray on it and have a few people that I discuss it with. Of course I trust my Pastors but even our Pastor encourages us to look it up ourselves. We need to seek things out for ourselves because that is usually when we grow the most. I do believe that many people interpret scripture diferently, this cannot be helped, however we know that God ultimately has one interpretation he wants to get across to everyone. With the Holy Spirit we see the point that God is wanting to communicate with us.
Ultimately I rely on the Holy Spirits Illumination of scripture to guide me to the meaning of what I am reading. If I do not understand something, I will definately pray on it and have a few people that I discuss it with. Of course I trust my Pastors but even our Pastor encourages us to look it up ourselves. We need to seek things out for ourselves because that is usually when we grow the most. I do believe that many people interpret scripture diferently, this cannot be helped, however we know that God ultimately has one interpretation he wants to get across to everyone. With the Holy Spirit we see the point that God is wanting to communicate with us.
Posted by Donna Farmer on December 2, 2011
Who sets the standard? The written Word. People will say…oh really, you think the Bible has the answer to every question? Yes, I do. It has to. I cannot believe any other way. Do we have ‘gray areas’ in our lives, I suppose so, but I have to think that is our view, and not the Lord’s view. The first thing I do is ask the Holy Spirit for illumination. Lord, what are you saying here; what does this mean? I ask Him for guidance when the book is open in front of me. When I am studying, prayer must come first. Especially since I have started these studies! Honestly, I do not think that I am that discerning that I can just read the Word and it makes sense. The Holy Spirit MUST guide, lest I should put my own view on things. However, I do turn to older Christians for mentoring and help understanding or Christians who have been students of the Word longer than I have. Occasionally I consult younger Christians who are more learned in the word than I am. They have got to have greater knowledge in the word than I have for me to ask. I do lean on my Pastor’s teaching, but I READ it for myself. I talk to my husband about scripture who is more learned in the Word than I am, and my father-in-law who has been a preacher his entire adult life. I think through; comparing scripture with scripture and listen to the Holy Spirit’s leading.
Who sets the standard? The written Word. People will say…oh really, you think the Bible has the answer to every question? Yes, I do. It has to. I cannot believe any other way. Do we have ‘gray areas’ in our lives, I suppose so, but I have to think that is our view, and not the Lord’s view. The first thing I do is ask the Holy Spirit for illumination. Lord, what are you saying here; what does this mean? I ask Him for guidance when the book is open in front of me. When I am studying, prayer must come first. Especially since I have started these studies! Honestly, I do not think that I am that discerning that I can just read the Word and it makes sense. The Holy Spirit MUST guide, lest I should put my own view on things. However, I do turn to older Christians for mentoring and help understanding or Christians who have been students of the Word longer than I have. Occasionally I consult younger Christians who are more learned in the word than I am. They have got to have greater knowledge in the word than I have for me to ask. I do lean on my Pastor’s teaching, but I READ it for myself. I talk to my husband about scripture who is more learned in the Word than I am, and my father-in-law who has been a preacher his entire adult life. I think through; comparing scripture with scripture and listen to the Holy Spirit’s leading.
Posted by brandon on December 2, 2011
I depend on the Holy Spirit to lay my path, but I also look towards my leader for guidance. I do this because they have more understanding than I, but in the end I give it to God for leadership.
I depend on the Holy Spirit to lay my path, but I also look towards my leader for guidance. I do this because they have more understanding than I, but in the end I give it to God for leadership.
Posted by Jon Segatto on December 1, 2011
Its funny to see people ask for others advise when that person does not even have theri own life together. Its so easy to have someone else tell you how you should live your life, but even easier to ask God what He wills. The standard should be God! Its easy to sit here and think of the correct answer or to think of the answer we think someone is looking for. To actually live according to what the Holy Spirit tells you to do is another story. God has surrounded me with few people that I trust when it comes to understandig the word and what it means. If I ever come across a message that "I" think does not match up with what the Bible says then I research and study and pray about it. Let God be my guide. This is something that I have only begun to do in the last 2 1/2 yrs. (I was too busy asking others what they thought) My Pastors words hold significant value to me, however even He will tell you, "don't take my word for it, look it up for yourself." When you begin to dive into the Word , God will show you what He wants you to see when He wants you to see it.
Its funny to see people ask for others advise when that person does not even have theri own life together. Its so easy to have someone else tell you how you should live your life, but even easier to ask God what He wills. The standard should be God! Its easy to sit here and think of the correct answer or to think of the answer we think someone is looking for. To actually live according to what the Holy Spirit tells you to do is another story. God has surrounded me with few people that I trust when it comes to understandig the word and what it means. If I ever come across a message that "I" think does not match up with what the Bible says then I research and study and pray about it. Let God be my guide. This is something that I have only begun to do in the last 2 1/2 yrs. (I was too busy asking others what they thought) My Pastors words hold significant value to me, however even He will tell you, "don't take my word for it, look it up for yourself." When you begin to dive into the Word , God will show you what He wants you to see when He wants you to see it.
Posted by Ty Cook on November 30, 2011
Well, I believe that we must allow the holy spirit to guide us in areas that are not "clear". it is ok to get guidance from pastors/mentors, but since we are all human and have our perspective colored sometimes by our own experiences in life, we must then really depend on God for understanding. I do also believe that we all have the right as believers to interpret the scriptures, as long as the "core" doctrine of Jesus arent up for debate.
Well, I believe that we must allow the holy spirit to guide us in areas that are not "clear". it is ok to get guidance from pastors/mentors, but since we are all human and have our perspective colored sometimes by our own experiences in life, we must then really depend on God for understanding. I do also believe that we all have the right as believers to interpret the scriptures, as long as the "core" doctrine of Jesus arent up for debate.
Posted by Jeff Mitchell on November 29, 2011
First and foremost, I depend on the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Not just to illinate the scripture, but also to lead me in all aspects, the least of which is who I trust to lead me in spiritual matters. It is an overwhelmingly imporatnt issue to discuss because there is so much commentary on almost every subject conceiveable. Beings an avid Bible reader, I will usually hear the various messages and then research myself, in context. With that being said, I hear very little new concepts. Most of the information I hear is mostly a reminder or the furtherance of an already trusted concept. Prayer as the foundation, guidance of the Holy Spirit and confirmations will come as the true path that one should take.
First and foremost, I depend on the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Not just to illinate the scripture, but also to lead me in all aspects, the least of which is who I trust to lead me in spiritual matters. It is an overwhelmingly imporatnt issue to discuss because there is so much commentary on almost every subject conceiveable. Beings an avid Bible reader, I will usually hear the various messages and then research myself, in context. With that being said, I hear very little new concepts. Most of the information I hear is mostly a reminder or the furtherance of an already trusted concept. Prayer as the foundation, guidance of the Holy Spirit and confirmations will come as the true path that one should take.
Posted by Mike Mason on November 29, 2011
When I attempt to interpret scripture, I like to get as much input as I can from sources that I consider to be credible. While pastors and Christian mentors may carry more weight with me, I feel that I might be cheating myself by not getting as much input as possible. I'll then analyze the information I've found and begin to use it to mold my personal interpretation of the scripture. Ultimately, I'm the only person responsible for what I believe. I don't often disagree with my pastor or mentors, but I do reserve the right to do so when I find glaring differences between my interpretation and theirs. I think most often we defer to our pastor's opinion so much because we already tend to have similar spiritual inclinations.
When I attempt to interpret scripture, I like to get as much input as I can from sources that I consider to be credible. While pastors and Christian mentors may carry more weight with me, I feel that I might be cheating myself by not getting as much input as possible. I'll then analyze the information I've found and begin to use it to mold my personal interpretation of the scripture. Ultimately, I'm the only person responsible for what I believe. I don't often disagree with my pastor or mentors, but I do reserve the right to do so when I find glaring differences between my interpretation and theirs. I think most often we defer to our pastor's opinion so much because we already tend to have similar spiritual inclinations.
Posted by Clay on November 29, 2011
I do listen to my pastors and elders thoughts and opinions or interpretations of scripture. I first look at their lifestyle before I hear them. Next I weigh it against scripture. I then discuss it with others, whom dependent on the weight of the topic. Then pray about it and see what God has to say about it. Finally I talk that over again with some trusted friends and eventually have a decision made. So yes my leaders impact my decisions. Yes I do insist on the right to read the scripture for myself.
I do listen to my pastors and elders thoughts and opinions or interpretations of scripture. I first look at their lifestyle before I hear them. Next I weigh it against scripture. I then discuss it with others, whom dependent on the weight of the topic. Then pray about it and see what God has to say about it. Finally I talk that over again with some trusted friends and eventually have a decision made. So yes my leaders impact my decisions. Yes I do insist on the right to read the scripture for myself.
Posted by Pat Meeks on November 28, 2011
I do look toward my pastor for leadership in areas of ambiguity or controversy. I also have a few Bible teachers I trust as well. The one thing the Bible teachers I trust have in common with my pastor is that they all encourage me to not take their word for anything on it's face alone! They all encourage me to study, pray & let the Holy Spirit guide me into all truth as the scripture says in John 16:13. I know God has no trouble letting me know what is not pleasing to Him! I love Godly counsel & am thankful for it! But I believe God thru His spirit will set the standard for us if we open ourselves up to Him & listen to that still small voice! We have to be opem to Him & let His standard be what guides us, not ours!
I do look toward my pastor for leadership in areas of ambiguity or controversy. I also have a few Bible teachers I trust as well. The one thing the Bible teachers I trust have in common with my pastor is that they all encourage me to not take their word for anything on it's face alone! They all encourage me to study, pray & let the Holy Spirit guide me into all truth as the scripture says in John 16:13. I know God has no trouble letting me know what is not pleasing to Him! I love Godly counsel & am thankful for it! But I believe God thru His spirit will set the standard for us if we open ourselves up to Him & listen to that still small voice! We have to be opem to Him & let His standard be what guides us, not ours!