Interpretation of Scripture

Its All In The Interpretation

9/4/2018

I briefly wrote about how others have been hurt by scripture in my first post in August. I feel like scripture especially interpretation of scripture is extremely important to revisit. As with any religious organization, scripture is what grounds our foundational beliefs about the world and who God is. The Bible is the primary scripture used in Christianity. It is known as "God's word" which contains the history of the Hebrew people, the writings of the prophets, the gospels, the beginning of Christianity and many other stories about God's interactions in the world. Since it was canonized it has provided great guidance and direction to people across the world. At the same time it has caused much pain and division based on the interpretations used. I believe one of God's greatest gifts is in allowing us to interpret scripture responsibly.

Let's explore scripture interpretation together and see if we can answer a few questions.

Using Our Flaws
I have heard so many arguments say "That's not what the Bible says." It's important to note the Bible was translated from Greek and Hebrew into other languages such as English. Some of the words do not match the English language and some of them lose the meaning depicted by the original author. The Bible as we know it is an interpretation based on translation. Now there are many people that strictly adhere to the literal words written because they believe the Bible is inerrant. What I find interesting when thinking about the Bible this way is that almost every character aside from Jesus was imperfect. Abraham, King David, Peter, and so many others had flaws and yet God used them. Why must we think the authors of the Bible or their writings must be inerrant as well? God uses our imperfection to make powerful, improbable things happen. It is through the mistakes, imperfections, and challenges in life where God works. Thinking about the Bible this way helps me understand I am reading through someone else's perspective which may have errors and misperceptions. However God continues to speak through it using what there is to create good in this world. Historically the gospels were not written until way after Christ's death which means the people were recalling what they could from the experiences.

Literalism
When we take the Bible literally we end up pushing people away instead of bringing them closer to Christ. Literalism is looking at scripture in its most basic sense instead of diving deeper into the text. Specifically thinking there is only one meaning for this scripture or the interpretation has to be this way. I think it's important we are open and honest acknowledging we do not have all the answers. God is a mystery and with the Bible we catch glimpses of who God is and can be. And for some reason I do not believe God ever intended to have others judged and condemned in a church for their prior decisions in life. Despite my belief literalism surfaces. The best way I can think of expressing literalism is from the 2004 movie "Saved" starring Mandy Moore. If you haven't seen it, please rent it. It's a comedy about taking the Bible literally. Here's a small gif from the film. If you can't tell Mandy Moore is throwing her Bible at the girl.

Interpreting Responsibly
So how do we interpret the Bible responsibly? I think this is a personal struggle for many of us however there are some things we can do to help us get a deeper look at the text. 1. Look at the genre of the text. This will pull out the reasoning behind the writing. What was the purpose for this text? What was the writer intending? 2. Historical criticism. This a a method trying to picture what the world was like during the time of its writing. It helps us identify the context of the passage? 3. Meaning/ Discernment of the text. What is the obvious meaning and the writer's intended meaning? What words stick out to you. Words carry many thoughts that connect us to other experiences. What theological themes stick out to you? 4. God Revealed. Scripture unfolds who God is. What does the text reveal about the nature of God? How does that apply to our relationships today?

Whenever we look deeper at scripture we find the richness of the stories, the beauty of the characters, and the relevance for today.

Continued Revelation
The great thing about scripture for those in CofChrist is that it is still being revealed to us. We believe God is still shaping who we are as a prophetic people through continued revelation. This is guidance for how our church and people should act in the world along with God. It's a belief that God is continually revealing God's self to the world. I love the imagery of God breathing in us to take action into the world, to fight against poverty, to uphold other's worth, to live community in it's wholistic essence.

How has scripture shaped your journey?
What ways do you interpret scripture responsibly?
How do you work through scriptural literalism?
How is God still revealing God's self to you?

I hope all of you had a wonderful Labor Day Weekend. This week please open your Bible and study a paragraph of your choosing. Search through the text and find meaning for yourself and your journey.

6 Comments

Author

Craig Hidy like the majority of ministers in Community of Christ is a bi-vocational, self sustaining ordained minister. He is a member of the Midlands Mission Center Emporia Team and an ordained Seventy. He and his family, live in Topeka, Kansas.

What is a Seventy?
The Seventy carry out missionary work for the church in close association with other missionary leaders. They represent Christ primarily as ministers of evangelism through witnessing, inviting, and church planting. They especially proclaim and promote Jesus Christ’s invitation to faithful discipleship through vibrant witness, and train individuals and congregations in witness and invitation. They particularly minister with seekers, individually and in groups, to share the gospel in relevant ways and to invite response. They support sacramental ministries by preparing people for baptism and/or confirmation, presiding at sacramental services, and performing most sacraments. They promote community by inviting individuals, households, and families to respond to Christ’s call to discipleship. They promote justice and peacemaking by inviting people to experience all aspects of Christ’s peace through active discipleship. They create ministry partnerships with mission center officers, apostles, elders, and evangelists.

Please Note

The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of Community of Christ or Midlands Mission Center. We believe individuals should be allowed to have their own opinions and be at different places in their faith journey.

Emporia Community of Christ

Jim

9/4/2018 04:13:19 pm

Years ago, members of a local, non-denominational evangelical church, visited my home to invite me to church. I thanked them for the invite, and said that I already belonged to a Christian church; I had been baptized, and actively followed Christ. They asked which church and I said Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (now Community of Christ). They asked if I believed in the Book of Mormon? I affirmed it as scripture along with the Bible and Doctrine and Covenants as witness to the divinity of Jesus Christ. They informed me that the Bible was the inerrant word of God, and the cannon of scripture was closed. They then sought to prove their point by quoting the following scripture:

“For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Revelation 22:18-19 KJV

I had the King James Bible at the time, but prefer the updated translation from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, which reads:

“I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book; if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away that person's share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.”
Revelation 22:18-19 NRSV

I said if the Bible was the inerrant word of God, how would they explain the following scripture?

“What thing soever I command you, observe to do it : thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.” Deuteronomy 12:32 KJV

Again, I had the King James Bible at the time, but prefer the updated translation from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, which reads:

“You must diligently observe everything that I command you; do not add to it or take anything from it.” Deuteronomy 12:32 NRSV

I told them that we can not rigidly interpret the scriptures, for if what they proposed was true, then all of the Bible forward from the 12th Chapter of Deuteronomy was added to the Bible and could not be accepted as the word of God. This assertion would void the entire New Testament.

They assured me that the scripture that I read from Deuteronomy was not in their Bible, believing that I was reading from the Inspired Version of the Bible. I said, no I was reading from the King James Bible, and showed them the book that I was reading from. They immediately left without another word.

The 163rd Section of the Doctrine and Covenants which reads:

7 a. Scripture is an indispensable witness to the Eternal Source of light and truth, which cannot be fully contained in any finite vessel or language. Scripture has been written and shaped by human authors through experiences of revelation and ongoing inspiration of the Holy Spirit in the midst of time and culture.

b. Scripture is not to be worshiped or idolized. Only God, the Eternal One of whom scripture testifies, is worthy of worship. God’s nature, as revealed in Jesus Christ and affirmed by the Holy Spirit, provides the ultimate standard by which any portion of scripture should be interpreted and applied.

c. It is not pleasing to God when any passage of scripture is used to diminish or oppress races, genders, or classes of human beings. Much physical and emotional violence has been done to some of God’s beloved children through the misuse of scripture. The church is called to confess and repent of such attitudes and practices.

d. Scripture, prophetic guidance, knowledge, and discernment in the faith community must walk hand in hand to reveal the true will of God. Follow this pathway, which is the way of the Living Christ, and you will discover more than sufficient light for the journey ahead.

Although not scripture, I love the Hymn CCS 69 “We Limit Not the Truth of God”, which also speaks to this point.

I am still learning!

Craig

9/5/2018 05:03:37 pm

Jim thanks for sharing another great story. Yes the line in Revelation has been given time and again for not adding to the Bible. Knowing the genre of the book and the canonization process really helps with this. The genre was an apocalyptic writing and many times people would find the scroll and add to them. Most likely the writer said this to ensure others did not write further into his words. Also the various books being used throughout the area were most likely canonized between 300-400AD. I love how you added D&C 163 to your story. What do you find most powerful about that scripture?

9/7/2018 05:17:23 pm

Doctrine and Covenants Section 163, puts into scripture what I have witnessed throughout my life as a disciple. As in my story, I have witnessed multiple professed “Men of God” utilize scripture to diminish, marginalize as criticize others, who may not follow their point of view. I have talked to many who have professed that God dictated the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. I personally have been criticized because I believe in continuing revelation.

I have always believed in the open cannon of scripture. Although I have studied the scriptures, I continue to be enlightened as I listen to the testimonies of others regarding their views and understanding of the scriptures. Interpretations of scriptures have been shared with me that I never could see from my own perspective. The words have always been there, but the meaning was not there.

In my own faith journey, I have struggled with some of the “changes” made by the Community of Christ, in it’s practices. I am OK now, but realize that I carried this “baggage” around for many years. I feel somewhat foolish that it took me so long to come to this realization. This was in part to my desire to follow RLDS traditions rather than my relationship with Christ and what he called his disciples to do as espoused by the scriptures. I have always held to advice give me years ago by Seventy Robert Seeley who said not to worry about these issues. He said if they are of God, they will bear good fruit. Over time my fears, doubts and concerns have been cast aside as I have witnessed the good fruit borne by the Church’s moving forward in understanding what it is that God wants us to do. Another favorite scripture is:

“Know, O my people, the time for hesitation is past. The earth, my creation, groans for the liberating truths of my gospel which have been given for the salvation of the world. Test my words. Trust in my promises for they have been given for your assurance and will bear you up in times of doubt. Be not overly concerned with method as you go forth to witness in my name. There are many techniques for proclaiming my word which may be used as needs and circumstances dictate. The call is for workers in the cause of Zion; therefore, neither tarry, nor doubt that I am. I know your perplexities and I am aware of your uncertainties, but if you will call upon my name my Spirit will go before you into whatsoever place you are sent and I will continue to bless you as you have need.” D&C 155:7-8

OK, time to get busy building the Kingdom!

9/8/2018 10:39:03 am

Thank you for sharing your struggles with accepting the changes made throughout the years in your walk with the Community of Christ. Most people have times where they struggle with what they have been taught and their current or new understandings. This can come from the smallest belief to more significant ones. I know when we struggle with faith changes it is a process and takes time just like you indicated. I think it goes back to 163 1d.

d. Scripture, prophetic guidance, knowledge, and discernment in the faith community must walk hand in hand to reveal the true will of God. Follow this pathway, which is the way of the Living Christ, and you will discover more than sufficient light for the journey ahead.

It's about walking with a faith community who is discerning where God is in their lives right now. The difficult part is finding a faith community that is open and willing to help you honestly work through those difficult questions. Sometimes that means making a major shift from the faith community you know and other times it means staying put. The key is having others in that community accept you and your questioning.

So all those out there struggling with changes or new understandings to your faith. I invite you to reach out to us or to somewhere you feel comfortable. Faith journeys are to be walked together.

Lori Edwards

9/9/2018 10:44:39 am

Thanks Craig ☺️

9/9/2018 10:45:15 am

Thank you Craig and Jim.

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Its All In The Interpretation

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