Identifying the word of god

[Michael]

Equilax, As ever, I can only speak personally.

In essence, yes, I am ultimately putting my own convictions of morality before even the bible, though I let the bible help inform those convictions. Many Christians might be uncomfortable with me saying that but I think ultimately it is always us that will be the final arbiter of any moral decisions (and that includes submitting ourselves totally to the bible). I see no way to escape subjectivity, and so I embrace it and work with it.

Something I find relevant here is the word obedience (that is a key word in monastic spirituality). The word comes from the Latin oboedire which, in turn, comes from ob-audire, or listen to. The Rule of St. Benedict, a key text in monastic Christianity, starts with a quote from the book of Proverbs, saying "My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings". For me that sums up what obedience to the bible or to the Church means; it means I am truly willing to listen. So it can challenge me; and I think that is of great value. But at the end of the day I must then follow my conscience. As Martin Luther famously is said to have said, when opposing the Church of his day, "Here I stand, I can do no other". Or, as the more subtle thinker and diplomat, John Henry Newman, said "I toast the Pope, but to conscience first".

People may see that either as a low view of the bible and of the Church, or a high view of a developed conscience. I'll leave others to make that judgement.