denominations

[nami]

I am having some issues over interpreting the Bible. I don't know why/how , when Christians will pray and speak to God how it is that they will come up with differing views that would in fact be quite different. I am not wanting to offend God's Word/Will by interpreting the Bible in a way that seems to say what I think it does. I also however, don't know what that means that people do believe differently and feel justified in doing so. I don't know why God wouldn't help people understand His Word as to promote public welfare,not separation. I know the Holy Spirit would guide those who speak to it,yes?So, why is are there views so differing and what does it mean about God's Word?
Is it OK to interpret the Bible, or do what the Bible says and to follow the Church? Which Church, does it matter, why is there any difference at all? Would the Holy Spirit not correct people when they are erring?
If Christians are to be of like-mind, what exactly does it mean when that seems to be impossible.

 

[Thaddeus]

I have struggled with this as well. Pray for the the holy spirit to guide you so that you don't misinterpret the scripture. I believe God can give different people different understandings. You may find if you read scripture once you have one understanding and then you re-read it you get a different message from it. I've found that by studying scripture the holy spirit can guide you. There is also the Living Bible which is translated to more current eglish. I try to stay away from translation Bibles but you can try to read it then re read the King James Bible afterwards.

 

[E-beth]

There is nothing wrong with reading God's Word and letting Him tell you what it means. He wants you to apply it to your own personal life, to question what you read so you will study it in-depth.

As far as Christians interpreting the Bible differently, you will find that if you have a group of seven Christians of seven different denominations, they will have maybe five different views of the same scriptures. That is why you find a body of believers that you feel are in the same kind of mind you are, and fellowship there. For example, I was raised in a denomination with some very strict rules about things, all based on their interpretation of the Scriptures. When I started getting confused by the church's thou shalts and thou shalt not's, I found a non-denominational, modern Christian church that better met my needs.

Christians are of one accord in that we all know that the world needs Jesus. And it is unfortunate that many times Christians fight with each other about interpretation when there is a world that is hurting.

 

[ZiSunka]

I am having some issues over interpreting the Bible. I don't know why/how , when Christians will pray and speak to God how it is that they will come up with differing views that would in fact be quite different. I am not wanting to offend God's Word/Will by interpreting the Bible in a way that seems to say what I think it does. I also however, don't know what that means that people do believe differently and feel justified in doing so. I don't know why God wouldn't help people understand His Word as to promote public welfare,not separation. I know the Holy Spirit would guide those who speak to it,yes?So, why is are there views so differing and what does it mean about God's Word?
Is it OK to interpret the Bible, or do what the Bible says and to follow the Church? Which Church, does it matter, why is there any difference at all? Would the Holy Spirit not correct people when they are erring?
If Christians are to be of like-mind, what exactly does it mean when that seems to be impossible.

A lot of people, even though they pray about a passage of scripture, are really hoping that God will merely confirm what they already believe, and refuse to entertain the notion that they might not be right.

A lot of other people are looking at only one verse or chapter at most, and are not looking at the totality of what the Bible says on the topic, so they think they understand everything when they really don't. There's a saying, "You ought not preach on Matthew before you're finished reading Mark." It just means that you shouldn't take one passage of scripture and make your interpretation your creed until you see what else God has to say on the subject.

Then there are the people who want to have a new and special revelation from God, sort of a spiritual ego trip, so they invent new ways to interpret scripture out of context.

So there are all sorts of ways to get things all messed up, and none of them have anything to do with God!

 

[Stanfi]

There is an old preacher where I am from that always gives this piece of advice when studying the Bible. 1.) Find out who is doing the speaking 2.) Find out who they are speaking to, and 3.) Find out why they are speaking.

Applying these guidelines have helped me to better understand a lot of the scriptures.

 

[Karl - Liberal Backslider]

Sometimes, it's not the destination, but the journey. Don't sweat it. Salvation is not a theology exam.

 

[Oblio]

Is it OK to interpret the Bible, or do what the Bible says and to follow the Church? Which Church, does it matter, why is there any difference at all? Would the Holy Spirit not correct people when they are erring?
If Christians are to be of like-mind, what exactly does it mean when that seems to be impossible.

Excellent questions !

How can God reveal different things to different people concerning one truth. This is theological relativism. Gods revelation to man is simply the truth and cannot mean one thing to one denomination, and another thing to another denomination.

 

[Promises]

Lots of great answers, too! I always look at how a Church regards the Bible. To me, the Word is perfect just as it is. I don't feel comfortable with a Church that is focused on "making Scripture relevant to the current times". The Bible is ageless and needs no help from man. I personally believe there is only one way to interpret the Bible: the way it was intended by the person who wrote it. Scripture is interpreted by Scripture. So, like was mentioned before, I need to know who wrote it, who it was addressed to and why it was written. If I don't understand a passage I expand my reading on either side until I do. I also find Inductive Study effective. I prefer a Sermon that teaches through the Bible chapter by chapter, verse by verse. I need teaching of the pure Word. Topical sermons can get a bit too secular for my tastes. I don't care for sermons on how to reduce stress, how to balance your home budget or how to succeed in business. If they offer separate classes in that kind of thing, cool. But when I go to worship I want the Word. Those are just my preferences, of course.

The best way I've ever had things explained to me was this: The Church Universal is a unity of all believers from all lands throughout all time who call upon the name of Christ. That's a pretty awesome concept when you think of it! The Church Particular is your local community fellowship of believers with whom you fellowship, learn the Word and practice accountability. You don't chose a Church Universal - you become a member the moment you accept Christ and you dwell within that Body in perfect unity. The Church Particular you must chose carefully, ensuring that they are teaching sound doctrine and operating according to Biblical principles. If you do not experience unity in a church, do not become a member. Find one that you feel confident is teaching the Word in truth. Too many people join on the basis of "fellowship", meaning good potlucks, neat "programs" and a short commute, instead of making sound doctrine a priority. Once you are a part of a local church community the hard part comes in. Concentrate on growing as a Christian. Learn the Word of God, participate regularly in some form of humble service, seek discipleship under a mature Christian, be accountable for your walk and accept loving reproof without getting defensive. That last one is tough, but extremely Biblical.

You and I are not going to resolve the differences between denominations. Worrying about it only steals our joy and darkens our own personal witness. I've come to believe that either God will call who he needs to reprove an apostate church or He'll do it Himself. I do not feel that call, at least not at the moment. What I need to concern myself with now is making sure that MY witness is true to God's commandments.

 

[SamoanOnion]

denomination isn't the real question, its wheather the church is Christ centered and Biblically based and teaches salvation through the finished work of the cross. denominations are a perfect example of mans pridefull selfishness. somewhere in time, someone didn't agree with what they read in the Word and decided to bend it how they saw fit and started there own "denomination". a perfect example of this is with that preacher or deacon fella that is now openly gay and the "denomination" accepts it. that situation is totally about him, if his heart was truly for Christ, it would've been a non issue and instead of bringing the focus on him and his lifestyle, he would've kept it on Christ. in my life, God has spoken to me through His word. I could've read a passage a couple of years ago and read the same passage today and it could've said two different things to me, I found that He speaks to me where I am at and what I am going through in my life, thats why its also called the "Living Word". as old as it is, it still gives you solutions to problems we have today. whats helped me a lot is being in a good strong biblically based church, fellowship and if available, bible studies and mentorship. either way, keep in the Word pray for wisdom and to be led by the Spirit.

4 HIS Glory

 

[cyberwing]

Well said, Samoan Onion! Well said, indeed! I hold all things up to the Word and if they don't line up.... well, man is fallible, God is NOT.
Your Sister in Christ Jesus,
~DJ

 

[Ken]

nami, IMHO, the biggest reason for differing interpretations is simply that we are a fallen race, and sin influences all that we do.... but do not let this fact cause you to be hopeless that no correct interpretation can be found.... I agree with some of the other posters RE the fundamental questions one should ask when interpreting the Bible.... you can help yourself out in this area by reading a few good books on the biblical science of hermeneutics... this (hermeneutics) is just a fancy word for "interpretation", you just need to know the word for locating good books on the subject, there are probably some good sites on the internet that will help you as well, just remember to look for those sites that affirm the inspiration and infallibility of the Scriptures from the outset....

I would recommend Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart's "How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth" http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ISBN%3D0310384915/nhmchristianresoA/103-4360899-7189408

also An Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics by Walt Kaiser and Moises Silva http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0310530903/qid=1063334949/sr=1-4/ref=sr_1_4/103-4360899-7189408?v=glance&s=books

and lastly though there are many others) An Introduction to Biblical Interpretation by William Klein, Craig Blomberg, and Robert Hubbard
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0849907748/qid=1063335044/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/103-4360899-7189408?v=glance&s=books

blessings