Ambiguity of words, the cause for separation

[GillDouglas]

We are finite. We are sinful. We are culturally biased. Language can confuse us, especially when different words carry the same meaning, and when the same words carry different meanings. This is true in the Bible as well as in all other books and conversations. The inspiration of the Word of God is like the incarnation of the Son of God. When the Son of God became a human being he became vulnerable to abuse and death. When the Word of God became human language, it became vulnerable to ambiguity and misunderstanding. I believe that the ambiguity and misunderstanding of the Bible has caused the splits we see among churches. What makes us Presbyterians any different? Those among use don't always agree on the meanings, even under the same roof. How can we put aside our differences and focus our attention where it belongs?

 

[faroukfarouk]

I agree about the importance of keeping word definitions Biblical.

Regarding the Lord Jesus's relationship with death, He said:
"No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father." (John 10.18)

 

[RC1970]

It has to do with understanding.

"Then the disciples came and said to him, 'Why do you speak to them in parables?' And he answered them, 'To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.'" ~ Matthew 13:10-13

 

[GillDouglas]

It has to do with understanding.

"Then the disciples came and said to him, 'Why do you speak to them in parables?' And he answered them, 'To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.'" ~ Matthew 13:10-13

So because we are all in different stages of our spiritual journey we may or may not being able to discern a passage in Scripture correctly? I believe Jesus is saying here that the apostles had understanding, the ability to correctly discern meaning, and others did not. The same applies to us today, each would believe that they are correct in their ability to discern the meaning yet end up with a different understanding which would cause problems. So then the ambiguity of words AND lack of understanding would be causes for splits in the church.

 

[faroukfarouk]

So because we are all in different stages of our spiritual journey we may or may not being able to discern a passage in Scripture correctly? I believe Jesus is saying here that the apostles had understanding, the ability to correctly discern meaning, and others did not. The same applies to us today, each would believe that they are correct in their ability to discern the meaning yet end up with a different understanding which would cause problems. So then the ambiguity of words AND lack of understanding would be causes for splits in the church.

We need the gracious help - prayerfully sought - of the Holy Spirit Who 'shall guide you into all truth' (John 16.13).

 

[RC1970]

So because we are all in different stages of our spiritual journey we may or may not being able to discern a passage in Scripture correctly? I believe Jesus is saying here that the apostles had understanding, the ability to correctly discern meaning, and others did not. The same applies to us today, each would believe that they are correct in their ability to discern the meaning yet end up with a different understanding which would cause problems. So then the ambiguity of words AND lack of understanding would be causes for splits in the church.

The differences between Presbyterians is usually due to issues of church governance. The issues between denominations is more serious, I think. Even the Apostles, more often than not, needed an explanation. But once the explanation is given, they would go along with the teaching. The problem is when believers don't like the answers.

Are we making use of ambiguities because we don't like the results of the true meaning? Or, are we just muddleheaded?

 

[GillDouglas]

The differences between Presbyterians is usually due to issues of church governance. The issues between denominations is more serious, I think. Even the Apostles, more often than not, needed an explanation. But once the explanation is given, they would go along with the teaching. The problem is when believers don't like the answers.

Are we making use of ambiguities because we don't like the results of the true meaning? Or, are we just muddleheaded?

You're absolutely right, more often than not it's because we don't like the results. Especially if we're forced to change the way we think.

 

[jimmyjimmy]

The problem is when believers don't like the answers.

Are we making use of ambiguities because we don't like the results of the true meaning? Or, are we just muddleheaded?

Good point. What's even worse is that many folks intentionally muddy the waters of crystal clear texts because they don't like what they read. Texts that need no explanation but don't match their agenda are spoken of as ambiguous when they are not.