(November 2, 2016 at 3:18 pm)Whateverist Wrote:(November 2, 2016 at 3:04 pm)Emzap Wrote: I accept the literal (historical-grammatical) interpretation of the Bible because that was what the author intended. The authors had a message to tell, and I choose to read based on authorial intent rather than reader response. Literal interpretation is the normal, customary sense.
Normal in your experience no doubt. But what if the usual in your experience is entirely mistaken? (I know, not your problem.)
(November 2, 2016 at 3:04 pm)Emzap Wrote: It is the only way to objectively interpret Scripture. Allegory doesn't interpret the text, it reads into it. Its not objective. Theres no way of saying what is right or wrong, and there may be various different interpretations.
Yep, definitely sounds like the red pill alternative to me. If it's comfy slumber you crave, stick the familiar blue pill.
https://youtu.be/zE7PKRjrid4
(November 2, 2016 at 3:04 pm)Emzap Wrote: When reading and interpreting Scripture I try to understand what the author was trying to say to the original audience. This requires understanding the historical context of the writing. Then I determine the differences between now and then, and look for the theological principle behind the writing. I look at how consistent it is with the rest of scripture, and then last decide how we should understand and live out the principle today.
But don't you also assume the bible's author(s?) was (were?) divinely inspired? Because if you start off assuming that, why try to dress up any of it as intellectual in nature. Isn't it really just what you like to believe?
I do assume that the Bible's authors were divinely inspired. That gives me a basis for believing that what they wrote was true. From that point I still need to interpret it, and understand it, which is intellectual in nature. I like to believe that about it which is the basis for wanting to understanding it better.