The Bible and the average reader One key issue that has divided families, split huge populations, and even started wars is whether or not the common person is even capable of understanding what the Bible says, that is, without the help of a paid professional, someone specially trained, a priest, rabbi, professor at a seminary, or member of the clergy. The experts have taken all the proper courses in Biblical interpretation (hermeneutics-the science of interpreting), doctrines, theology, and so on. In fact, this is one of the key issues that has pitted orthodox-style institutions such as the Roman Catholic and Eastern Rite churches against so-called Protestant denominations with a bitter residue of hostility. Are we, by virtue of a personal relationship with the Living God, a priesthood of believers, all equally capable of knowing God and His will, as Luther pointed out? You can read for yourself; this is one thing that the scriptures clearly teach (1 Peter 2:4-10). There is no valid distinction between the clergy (ordained, religious professionals) and laity (from the Greek word meaning the people), normal folks like you and me. If you hold to the idea that God has created some chain of being, something like a religious food chain with one person at the top and everyone else falling into place (in degrees) down to the little peasant guy, then there is a problem. Peasants like me dont like being told that we cant make decisions because were too lowly (If I only had a brain). Worse, the guys at the top may think that theyre above reproach. With news of the many child molestation scandals, particularly among leaders in the Roman Catholic Church, spreading across the headlines of the world press, people point fingers at the results of the problem without really understanding the problem. If we understand what the Bible tells us about humankind and acknowledge that we are all human beings without exception, then we know that the failures of individuals are merely symptoms. The cause is rebellion, deliberate or not, against the expressed Will of God, His plan and purpose that He has revealed to us. If we all read the same Bible, the debate should end there. Paul wrote in Romans 12:2, that we are to be transformed by the renewing of the mind, that ye may prove [test] what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. The ye is plural, and it applies to each and every one of us. Instructions like that must be possible, or we wouldnt be commanded to do them. The way to accomplish this transformation is to allow God to change us, to change our minds to conform to His. Our response is to read, study, and think and quietly reflect (meditate) on what weve read, and to pray-in other words, by communing with God in that child-like, trusting way. In defense of my personal view of the importance of thinking and the renewal of my own mind, I refer to the words of Jesus: And behold a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He [Jesus] said to him, What is written in the law? What is your reading of it? So he [the lawyer] answered, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself. And He said to him, You have answered rightly; do this and you will live. Luke 10:25-28 It seems simple enough, which is not to say that it is easy. Some jobs may be simple and difficult at the same time, like lifting huge loads, while others may seem very complicated, yet easy for the experienced person, like playing the violin. Isaiah 26:3 states: Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in Thee. So, there is great benefit in keeping our minds on the things of God, in continually thinking about Gods instructional guide for us. We cannot, however, do it all in our own strength, by our own willpower. We need the active participation of the Author-but, He has promised to do just that. He is the Good Shepherd, and we are the sheep of His pasture. Our expectations of others should never exceed the expectations we have for ourselves. If we feel insecure about our own ability to interpret scriptures, then we should probably feel insecure about the abilities of others. From the other perspective, that of the pastor-teacher, leaders of any kind assume a tremendous responsibility and, as a result, face much greater scrutiny for their work. A keen sense of responsibility is important. For instance, the more important my job, the more responsibilities Ill have. If I represent a business, Ill be open to the scrutiny of both my clients and boss. If I say that I represent God, then I am definitely going to receive a lot of scrutiny (and the pressure that goes with it) from my students and peers, on the one hand, and my Boss-God, on the other. He doesnt take misrepresentation lightly. The 24th chapter of Ezekiel sends a very clear message of Gods view of the responsibilities of shepherds towards their sheep. Leading them astray is serious, even if it is done innocently. I would be a blatant hypocrite if I tried to project an air of superiority-so, feel free to disagree with my conclusions. But, please think about what it means to follow Jesus, what Jesus meant when He said: Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth [emphasis mine] them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock (Matthew 7:25). As a result, the first step in building a solid foundation is to learn of Him. _______________________________ FYI-SPM@Gatekeeper and Watchman (Steven P. Miller) @ facebook/sparkermiller Tuesday, July 22, 2014 (6:09:54 AM EST)
Posted on: Tue, 22 Jul 2014 10:33:32 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015