What is the correct way to interpret the Bible?

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Justin108
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What is the correct way to interpret the Bible?

Post #1

Post by Justin108 »

JehovahsWitness wrote: those that interpret the bible correctly will never find any of its statements contradict proven scientific fact.
What is the "correct" way to interpret the Bible? Is there an objective "correct" way to interpret the Bible? If so, what methods should one employ to interpret the Bible "correctly"?

Let's use Genesis 1 as an example. What is the correct interpretation of Genesis 1 and what method did you employ to conclude your interpretation?

Specifically...

1. Is Genesis 1 literal or metaphorical? (what method did you use to reach this conclusion?)

2. If it is metaphorical, what is it a metaphor for? (what method did you use to reach this conclusion?)

3. What is your explanation for the Genesis 1 claim that God created plants before he created the sun? (and again, what method did you use to reach this conclusion?)

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Re: What is the correct way to interpret the Bible?

Post #2

Post by Benoni »

Justin108 wrote:
JehovahsWitness wrote: those that interpret the bible correctly will never find any of its statements contradict proven scientific fact.
What is the "correct" way to interpret the Bible? Is there an objective "correct" way to interpret the Bible? If so, what methods should one employ to interpret the Bible "correctly"?

Let's use Genesis 1 as an example. What is the correct interpretation of Genesis 1 and what method did you employ to conclude your interpretation?

Specifically...

1. Is Genesis 1 literal or metaphorical? (what method did you use to reach this conclusion?)

2. If it is metaphorical, what is it a metaphor for? (what method did you use to reach this conclusion?)

3. What is your explanation for the Genesis 1 claim that God created plants before he created the sun? (and again, what method did you use to reach this conclusion?)
I see Genesis as the second most Spiritual book ever written right behind the Book of Revelation which is very positive and Spiritual book.

I see many believers dismiss metaphors/examples/symbolism but that is just ant-scriptural for that his one of the wonderful ways God hides his deep Word.






1 Corin 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world (age) are come.

NT:5178 a

tupikos (toop-ee-kos'); an adverb related to NT:5179; found only in 1 Cor 10:11: as a warning, by way of example, typologically (i.e. figuratively, as a prophetic type, a typological interpretation of

Matthew 13 :13 Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 14 And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says: 'Hearing you will hear and shall not understand, And seeing you will see and not perceive; 15 For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.' 16 "But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear;

Prov 25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.

Justin108
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Re: What is the correct way to interpret the Bible?

Post #3

Post by Justin108 »

Benoni wrote: I see many believers dismiss metaphors/examples/symbolism but that is just ant-scriptural for that his one of the wonderful ways God hides his deep Word.
Why does God want to hide his word?

Also, can you perhaps answer each question individually?

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Re: What is the correct way to interpret the Bible?

Post #4

Post by JehovahsWitness »

[Replying to post 1 by Justin108]

What is the correct way to interpret the Bible?

God reveals the correct interpretation of things by means of his holy spirit to those he loves.
“Do not interpretations belong to God? - Genesis 40:8

JW


"What does the bible really teach"
https://www.jw.org/en/publications/books/bible-teach/

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INDEX: More bible based ANSWERS
http://debatingchristianity.com/forum/v ... 81#p826681


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Justin108
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Re: What is the correct way to interpret the Bible?

Post #5

Post by Justin108 »

JehovahsWitness wrote: [Replying to post 1 by Justin108]

What is the correct way to interpret the Bible?

God reveals the correct interpretation of things by means of his holy spirit to those he loves.
“Do not interpretations belong to God? - Genesis 40:8

JW


"What does the bible really teach"
https://www.jw.org/en/publications/books/bible-teach/
So there is no actual methodology? Just the assumption that your conclusion is the result of guidance from the holy spirit?

What if someone interprets the Bible differently than you. Does it automatically mean they are not lead by the holy spirit?

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Re: What is the correct way to interpret the Bible?

Post #6

Post by JehovahsWitness »

[Replying to post 5 by Justin108]

HOLY SPIRIT is like the heat from the oven that bakes the cake, without it you have just gooey mess, (or as some of us like to say graduates from theological schools of higher education), nice enough but not cake.

Methodology would be firstly to do what you need to do to accept that the bible is God's word and truthful, then allow the bible to interpret itself, meaning seek internal harmony over all the books of the bible canon; remain humble and stand on the shoulders of those that have been proven to be His intruments in the past.

Mix well, be patient and wait for divine input,

JW


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http://debatingchristianity.com/forum/v ... 82#p844682


To learn more please see other posts related to...

THE BIBLE , HERMENEUTICS* and ... BEST TRANSLATION
* bible interpretation
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Justin108
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Re: What is the correct way to interpret the Bible?

Post #7

Post by Justin108 »

JehovahsWitness wrote: [Replying to post 5 by Justin108]

HOLY SPIRIT is like the heat from the oven that bakes the cake, without it you have just gooey mess, (or as some of us like to say graduates from theological schools of higher education), nice enough but not cake.

Methodology would be firstly to do what you need to do to accept that the bible is God's word and truthful
So before honestly interpreting the Bible, you need to make the logical fallacy of a priori assumption? In order to interpret the Bible accurately, it is necessary to resort to logical fallacies? Again, I thought you said your religion is based on reason?

Anyway, I'll repeat the question you once again ignored.

If someone interprets the Bible differently than you, does it automatically mean they are not lead by the holy spirit?

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Re: What is the correct way to interpret the Bible?

Post #8

Post by JehovahsWitness »

Justin108 wrote:
JehovahsWitness wrote: [Replying to post 5 by Justin108]

HOLY SPIRIT is like the heat from the oven that bakes the cake, without it you have just gooey mess, (or as some of us like to say graduates from theological schools of higher education), nice enough but not cake.

Methodology would be firstly to do what you need to do to accept that the bible is God's word and truthful
So before honestly interpreting the Bible, you need to make the logical fallacy of a priori assumption?
No you need to study the bible and prove to yourself that the bible is God's word and a book of truth that can be trusted.



This would probably involve conducting a systematic study of it (possibly with the help of Jehovah's Witnesses , using a publication like that in the post above) to settle any doubts one might have as to its (the bible's) origin. (An atheist would prior to this have to study the question of Creation to assure himself that there is indeed a God). Then and only when that has been established to ones satisfaction can you move on to the other stages.


JW

RELATED POSTS

How can we be sure the bible is the word of God?
http://debatingchristianity.com/forum/v ... 255#840255


USEFUL LINKS to follow the above methodology

Is the bible the word of God?
https://www.jw.org/en/publications/maga ... rd-of-god/
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INDEX: More bible based ANSWERS
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Re: What is the correct way to interpret the Bible?

Post #9

Post by 2timothy316 »

[Replying to post 6 by JehovahsWitness]

I concur with JW here. The Bible is the Word of God so let the Bible interpret itself. While Jesus was on the Earth all of his parables were interpreted not by other people but by Jesus himself. Jesus was the source of the parable and the explanation. The Bible is the same way. It is only through daily study of the Bible that we can find the correct interpretation. Holy Spirit will guide us to the correct conclusion and the Bible will be involved in that conclusion.

Proverbs 2:4-7 promises, "If you keep seeking for it as for silver, And you keep searching for it as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of Jehovah, And you will find the knowledge of God. For Jehovah himself gives wisdom; From his mouth come knowledge and discernment. He treasures up practical wisdom for the upright; He is a shield for those walking in integrity."

Who wouldn't want 'the knowledge of God'? But note that first one must have the 'fear' or the upmost and deep respect for Jehovah God. Without it no wisdom can be had.
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Re: What is the correct way to interpret the Bible?

Post #10

Post by Justin108 »

JehovahsWitness wrote:
Justin108 wrote:
JehovahsWitness wrote: [Replying to post 5 by Justin108]

HOLY SPIRIT is like the heat from the oven that bakes the cake, without it you have just gooey mess, (or as some of us like to say graduates from theological schools of higher education), nice enough but not cake.

Methodology would be firstly to do what you need to do to accept that the bible is God's word and truthful
So before honestly interpreting the Bible, you need to make the logical fallacy of a priori assumption?
No you need to study the bible and prove to yourself that the bible is God's word and a book of truth that can be trusted.
But in order to do this, you have to first believe that the Bible is true. If you don't, then Genesis 1 will be enough to convince you that it isn't. If one did not hold the a priori assumption that the Bible is true, one would read Genesis 1, notice how it contradicts science, and conclude that the Bible is clearly not true.

"Genesis 1 is a metaphor" you would say, but how would the reader know it is a metaphor before being lead to believe so by the holy spirit?

- So in order to believe the Bible, you need to be lead by the holy spirit to find the "correct" interpretation
- In order to be lead by the holy spirit, you must first believe the Bible
- In order to believe the Bible, you need to be lead by the holy spirit

I'm noticing a trend in your responses today, JW. It's as though circular logic is the fallacy of the day.


Still not answering my question. Let's try this again...

If someone interprets the Bible differently than you, does it automatically mean they are not lead by the holy spirit?

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