(March 8, 2012 at 3:53 pm)Rhythm Wrote: Context is whatever one wishes for it to be. You know, when you make context arguments, have you ever considered that you'll then have to make all those different contexts non-contradictory as well? Just makes it worse. How hard is it to say "the bible is just a story". There can still be a god, there can still be a christian god, god can still be whatever you wish, but the bible is just a story. What's the "true interpretation" of the story? There is none, and it would cheapen the story if it were so. Why is it that the gods I don't believe in are always bigger than the gods other people do? Heaven forbid there be some other use, some other meaning, some less than absurd translation of a text supposedly inspired by the lord of the fucking universe. But whatever, box your own god in all you like. Make him seem more like yourself, easier to understand, shackle him to your interpretation. What's the worst that could happen?Rhythm, the truth is that if you found something to be consistent with what can be verified, you are a little foolhardy to suggest that it is not true. - and especially if contra- arguments are proven wrong time and time again. That suggests there are other motives for not wanting to accept that which is proven to be correct.
(points to the massive heap of dead religions that insisted on doing exactly this)
The "true" interpretation - I will agree that there may be different interpretations of an issue, all based on the same facts. What I have however found is that often people would try and justify their preconceived ideas from the content.
The correct approach is to leave preconceived ideas at the door and be courageous enough to honestly look at what is stated, and read that in the light of what else is being said on the very subject or a subject relating to it.
Even so, one can make (honest) mistakes. It does however not imply that that which is stated, is wrong. The truth is independent of the interpreter.
When one then establishes that a large number of honest assessors of an item comes to a conclusion (especially if they have studied the original language and culture), then one can safely assume that it is very close to the "truth" of what was written and interpret from that background.
That is what distinguishes most cults and "isms" - there is one central figure that is the sole source of how things should be understood. As an example, you could take the Seventh Day Adventists. They have Ellen White, that they believe is the "spirit of prophecy", even though she contradicts the Bible on a good number of occasions. Her word above anything else (even at times the Bible itself, as they have their own Bible, where the Bible has been changed to agree with their doctrine.)
If it is about "my god is bigger and better than yours", we all miss the plot. It is not about proving that at all. It is about bringing the gospel and also giving an honest answer when the opportunity arises. It just seems to me that a lot of wrong information is accepted without really questioning it ( as was the case with my initial response in this thread), for the very reason that you quote - it reinforces our own ideas.
"shackle him to your interpretation" is altogether the opposite of what is the case. If I had to "create my god" based on my ideas, he may look much different to the one that we are confronted with in the Bible. It will also mean that there are millions of gods, after the liking of every person. But the fact is that there is one truth, contrary to what relativists believe (or say they believe). And if there is such a person, I should be able to trust Him and if He reveals himself through incarnation and his Word, I should be able to trust what is written. Now objective assessment is possible and that confirms that which is stated in the Bible. Then why should I believe something that is often based on lies and is continuously proven wrong?
If there are people that would like you to believe that you are doomed - who are they to judge - see the guy on the cross next to Jesus- during the last few minutes of his life?
We are all saved by grace and if you are judged as a person , they presume the role of Christ. I trust Him to be fair in his judgement and He has revealed himself and his commandments to us, so we cannot plead ignorance. So I have nothing to brag about.
Please forgive me if at times I am a bit sarcastic. Have a great day!
