Bible Study Reasonable Clashes of Biblical Interpretation

[Barth Jones]

The Bible does not contradict itself.

There are certain doctrinal, theological, and other types of conclusions folks everywhere arrive at, that are completely questionable. There are those that clearly contradict Scripture, and also those against which there is no valid argument.

I'd like to discuss those Scriptures having several viable interpretations, especially those cited by "intelligent" church-antagonists as "contradictions"--within--the Bible.

Here, we understand that Scripture is God-breathed. But there are two vital mistakes we tend to make as Christians. First, we dismiss the passages other Christians cite that appear to contradict ours or our church's theology or doctrines. Second, we answer proud unbelievers as they fancy we will--circularly ("the Bible is true and integrated because it says so"). Or worse, we answer honest skeptics unfairly. The default answer isn't circular to believers, because we also have the Holy Spirit who testifies. But it's not a valid argument against the more truly circular, solely human logic.

The bullseye here is to reconcile apparent contradictions as evidenced by internal church segmentation, and by exploitation by church-antagonists. I would like to recommend with emphasis the best means I know of to reconcile apparent contradictions--find the passages that reconcile them (not those "proving" one's own view).

Please, if you hold very "strange" views by the standard of most reputable Christian leadership, as evidenced by their communications with you, refrain here.

And remember, the flow is to reconcile; arguments build dams against the flow.

 

[th1b.taylor]

I began my Computer Ministry in '95 and agree with you that arguments build dams whether they be Saved or Lost. Since the Spirit overcame or indwelt me I have learned to read these "conflicting" scriptures, pray and listen. Neither extreme, and they are there, is the answer but we are given both that we can compare, fix them in our minds and then move on as the Holy Spirit leads and through the other scriptures confirms truth that lies between these extremes.

I have found these issues are usually easier to explain to the lost that is seeking more so than either the "already" saved or the devoted Scientific Lost. This can extend into a great teaching and learning string.

God bless my brother. Oh! Christian by Salvation, Baptist by choice.

 

[turnorburn]

Hi Barth welcome aboard.. i try to go to the same scripture when i see the doubt coming.. John 3.. when Jesus was talking to Nicodemus he was talking to a "ruler of the Jews" somebody that knew his bible and he still didn't understand.. So whether you think your a believer or no the same rule applies..

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

tob

 

[Kathi]

I take the Bible literally.

 

[Barth Jones]

A simple example: a Baptist is not an unborn again believer because Baptist doctrine seems to contradict Methodist or Assemblies of God doctrine.

Another basic example: Faith without works is indeed dead, as James writes. But Paul wasn't mistaken saying, "to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness."

A Christian shouldn't ignore part of the Bible because his denomination tends to answer with another part, that taken as they are, contradict. In these cases, and they are numerous, there are always plenty of passages in the Bible that show, Paul was not mistaken, nor James, for example.

 

[Kathi]

That is why I do not have a denomination.I am a Christian....period.Their are so many interpretations on a messageboard.That is why a new Christian has to be very careful on what they are absorbing.

 

[Barth Jones]

That is why I do not have a denomination.I am a Christian....period.Their are so many interpretations on a messageboard.That is why a new Christian has to be very careful on what they are absorbing.

And why overconfident Christians like me should check themselves, their tongues and their fingertips.

 

[th1b.taylor]

And why overconfident Christians like me should check themselves, their tongues and their fingertips.

LOL! Wait until you've been teaching better than twenty years, are gray, loosing your teeth and get cocky, not that I would ever do that. ;-) I'd never pull your leg, either, right?

I like you example using the Baptist, that works. I played and sang Juke Joints for twenty-five years and then when I was saved I played the Churches, Prisons and Elder's homes for free until my MS became so bed I gave all my guitars away but I kept the 20 mouth harps and still blow a number and sing once in a while.

I have never been strong on being a Baptist and do not understand those that do because all the saved will be seated together when we go home and if we would unite, we would rule the world.

But I love Cajun Swamp people also and I learned a long time ago, the Bible is, in some ways, just like the Gators we hooked. If you handle it the wrong way it will kill you and folks are sure loose with their dealings when working God's Word.

Many times I have had New Covenant and modern day New Testament Christians hit me with the fourth Commandment and tell me because I am a decorate War Veteran that having violated the Bible and I'm going straight to Hell in a hand basket. They are very hard to deal with because of their utter and complete lack of Old Testament study. The lack of total Bible study is, I believe, the biggest problem we face today.

 

[Barth Jones]

LOL! Wait until you've been teaching better than twenty years, are gray, loosing your teeth and get cocky, not that I would ever do that. ;-) I'd never pull your leg, either, right?

I like you example using the Baptist, that works. I played and sang Juke Joints for twenty-five years and then when I was saved I played the Churches, Prisons and Elder's homes for free until my MS became so bed I gave all my guitars away but I kept the 20 mouth harps and still blow a number and sing once in a while.

I have never been strong on being a Baptist and do not understand those that do because all the saved will be seated together when we go home and if we would unite, we would rule the world.

But I love Cajun Swamp people also and I learned a long time ago, the Bible is, in some ways, just like the Gators we hooked. If you handle it the wrong way it will kill you and folks are sure loose with their dealings when working God's Word.

Many times I have had New Covenant and modern day New Testament Christians hit me with the fourth Commandment and tell me because I am a decorate War Veteran that having violated the Bible and I'm going straight to Hell in a hand basket. They are very hard to deal with because of their utter and complete lack of Old Testament study. The lack of total Bible study is, I believe, the biggest problem we face today.

So far, what little I recall from your first response and now this, all sounds sober, but right now I'm more than slightly on edge from the numerous encounters I've had so far here, most of which also initially seemed sound.

So as with the others, it's going to take some time. At any rate, thank you very much for your service in the US armed forces, and don't disdain or fear feel-good soul music. Just be careful how you handle the lyrics.

 

[Edward]

...folks are sure loose with their dealings when working God's Word...

...The lack of total Bible study is, I believe, the biggest problem we face today.

Agreed. I learned the hard way (but well!) to study more than debate. So-called contradictions in scripture have been shown (to me) to not be contradictory at all, and must be taken in total context will all other relevant scripture. Failure to do this leads to childish arguments and lack of edification for anyone. The more I have learned, the less I feel the need to "prove" or be right.

We must move towards unification of the Body. In love. Being able to (speak diplomat) hold ultimate beliefs aside, and pose beliefs or possibilities as a question rather than fact has helped me a lot in not inadvertently offending someone. Also, in fellowshiping with other brothers and sisters on topics in this way, it has also occasionally revealed holes in my own logic and beliefs from other more mature and knowledgeable Christians. A good thing. No one has the complete set of answers. I love how the Lord apportions pieces to different brothers and sisters, and when they come together, there is a completeness and mutual edification!

Another problem area, I feel, which is exacerbated online (and to an extent in person) is the lack of brotherly affection. When I read the Word I am amazed at how people treated each other in biblical days! In some cases their enemies were treated better and with more respect than modern day Christians treat each other! They would greet brothers and sisters in Christ with a holy kiss. I myself, have been making effort to be more affectionate to all, after all, this is the second greatest commandment.

 

[th1b.taylor]

So far, what little I recall from your first response and now this, all sounds sober, but right now I'm more than slightly on edge from the numerous encounters I've had so far here, most of which also initially seemed sound.

So as with the others, it's going to take some time. At any rate, thank you very much for your service in the US armed forces, and don't disdain or fear feel-good soul music. Just be careful how you handle the lyrics.

I so agree about that, I'm very old fashioned when it comes to the lyrics. Google "We Shall See The King" and select the one from the Pentecostal Hymnal by John G. Vaughn. I and a college kid reworked this one into a Black Spiritual. The words are exactly the same but it is done with full devotion and disregard for self. If you would like a demo, I have one and only the solo needs to be reworked because I didn't wait to hear my C Chord first and began a little rough. It's mp3 and an easy send.

 

[th1b.taylor]

I didn't mean solo but I can't spell occapella.

 

[Barth Jones]

Yeah, please send! Uh, how do you go about that?

 

[th1b.taylor]

Agreed. I learned the hard way (but well!) to study more than debate. So-called contradictions in scripture have been shown (to me) to not be contradictory at all, and must be taken in total context will all other relevant scripture. Failure to do this leads to childish arguments and lack of edification for anyone. The more I have learned, the less I feel the need to "prove" or be right.

We must move towards unification of the Body. In love. Being able to (speak diplomat) hold ultimate beliefs aside, and pose beliefs or possibilities as a question rather than fact has helped me a lot in not inadvertently offending someone. Also, in fellowshiping with other brothers and sisters on topics in this way, it has also occasionally revealed holes in my own logic and beliefs from other more mature and knowledgeable Christians. A good thing. No one has the complete set of answers. I love how the Lord apportions pieces to different brothers and sisters, and when they come together, there is a completeness and mutual edification!

Another problem area, I feel, which is exacerbated online (and to an extent in person) is the lack of brotherly affection. When I read the Word I am amazed at how people treated each other in biblical days! In some cases their enemies were treated better and with more respect than modern day Christians treat each other! They would greet brothers and sisters in Christ with a holy kiss. I myself, have been making effort to be more affectionate to all, after all, this is the second greatest commandment.

Ed,
I attend a large country Church with about 150 active members and a roll of just over three hundred. The first day I walked in there I needed the phone for a local call and I loeft and begged a quarter from a stranger, rather than offend the person there, it was that colkd in there.

Then the LORD, about 48 months later called, my wife and our daughter to be there. When we Joined there was still an air of cooness that the new and young Pastor was working to knock the edge off of. We hug, always have and always will. Some of the members elected one man to come to us to ask us to join them in helping to prevent the spread of disease in the church by no9t hugging and not touching one another.

DID NOT HAPPEN and every one of those folks have left for different churches, now. With them leaving, in anger, te entire Church Family now hugs one another and welcomes new comers with a hug and it is the warmest church I have ever attended. God did not raise us up to push others down.

You go my man and God bless. Just remember, Bill Taylor is that ugly but forgiven sinner trying to get this thing right.

 

[Barth Jones]

Uh, Tim, the wages of sin is quite literally death. Death, quite literally is eternal torment in hell.

(Post has been edited)

 

[th1b.taylor]

I just sent you a PM with my addy to set the transfer up.

 

[th1b.taylor]

 

[th1b.taylor]

 

[AirDancer]

This thread is temporarily closed.


Alright, I'm re-opening this thread.

This is the Bible Study Forum. There is zero debate allowed. Arguing or disruptive comments are not allowed either. It would be a good idea for everyone to re-read our Terms of Service (ToS). It is also recommended that everyone recall from reading the Bible the instructions on how we are to treat each other: with love.

 

[Barth Jones]

Sorry about that, and thank you.