Why we need Hermeutics.

[RamiC]

"What did Jesus say when Satan quoted Scripture? He said: “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test’” (Matthew 4:7). He quoted Scripture against Satan’s use of Scripture. He knew the Bible better than Satan.

1. Do not believe everyone who can quote you a text. History is strewn with cults who twisted the Scriptures to their own destruction (2 Peter 3:16).
2. Read widely in the Bible and ask yourself continually how this part fits with that part and that with this. It is when the pieces start to fit together that we are most secure from distortion.
3. Read theological books that the decades and centuries have proved to be deep, solid, and lasting.
4. Fast and pray that God will open our eyes to see true and wonderful things in his word (Psalm 119:18).
5. Obey what you do understand and you will understand more."

The above is quoted from here.

The article puts forward an argument about why it is important to use a system of hermeneutics when we study the Bible. Just saying it is "God's Word", which is in itself a valid thing to do and believe, is not enough to provide appropriate protection of and with the truth.

Of the suggestions above, which are from the conclusion of the article, I like 4 and 5 the most, beginners could start with those two, and I am convinced by experience that they work.

 

[Mark Quayle]

Read widely in the Bible and ask yourself continually how this part fits with that part and that with this. It is when the pieces start to fit together that we are most secure from distortion.

Not exactly. We are more than capable of producing a, "the pieces fit", type system that is heretical. Madmen operate this way, with unbeatable logic and deep-run hermeneutics, A healthy self-skepticism is in order here.

 

[tonychanyt]

The article puts forward an argument about why it is important to use a system of hermeneutics when we study the Bible.

Right. Check out A Disciplined Probabilistic Approach to Biblical Hermeneutics

 

[linux.poet]

Read widely in the Bible and ask yourself continually how this part fits with that part and that with this. It is when the pieces start to fit together that we are most secure from distortion.

I agree with this. It is important for believers in Christ to read the Bible straight through from beginning to end at least once to get the "big picture" of the Bible, and probably multiple times. I went with the "chapter a day" approach when I was first getting started. The audio Bible approach can also work, or just taking a weekend to read through it every once and awhile. The latter is the approach my mom uses.

Read theological books that the decades and centuries have proved to be deep, solid, and lasting.

The Bible is the authority, but remember that your interpretation is not. It's better to check your interpretation against others so you know what parts of your thinking are just you and which parts are suspect. Reading theological books is one way to do this.

I would recommend How to Read the Bible Like a Seminary Professor for those looking to get started with hermeneutics. It covers a lot of the basic elements.

 

[tonychanyt]

It is important for believers in Christ to read the Bible straight through from beginning to end

Right. This is how I do it: Familiarize yourself with the whole Bible by daily reading

 

[RamiC]

Thank you for all the responses so far.

I think the article is missing an important part about getting help. Good books can be found, and in any place in the world with freedom of information, they are easy to get hold of. However, I think it should say to join a church and take their help understanding the Bible, find out what their hermeneutics are, and let your local gathering of believers enlighten you about how it applies to your actual life here and now.

If your local "church" does not offer free help learning the Bible, please go some place that does.