Commentaries

[humble soul]

By this I mean Bible commentaries and commentaries for books/novels that are difficult to understand.
I depend on them a lot. I don't always agree with the commentaries but usually I'm out of my depth anyway, so can't help but be influenced.
People are smarter than me after all. ? I have to respect people who have done more homework than me and who are scholarly. By that I mean they have the discipline to go in detail and depth. I can't read Hebrew or Greek for instance and I'm not that interested to be honest. I learnt some Japanese. That was enough to turn me off language study. So much to know it becomes intimidating.
Ok and finally what about pastors, priests, teachers and college professors? You think they they study difficult books without commentaries? Then sound enormously wise in their sermons and talks/lectures. But how much of what they say is their own original insight? I often wonder about that.
No one is 100% original anyway.

 

[humble soul]

The Bible is not an easy book by the way.

 

[humble soul]

When someone claims to have read the whole Bible, without referring to a commentary, I seriously question whether they grasped much deeper meaning or spiritual truth from it.

 

[daninthelionsden]

Always diversify your information intake into many and varied sources. It keeps a balance to compare by. I used to fear being misled. Now I relish opposing views so I can decide for myself.

 

[Quantrill]

When someone claims to have read the whole Bible, without referring to a commentary, I seriously question whether they grasped much deeper meaning or spiritual truth from it.

We all as Christians build upon the labor of others. So yes, I believe commentaries on the Bible are vital for our learning the Scripture. I always use them. That doesn't mean God cannot show me something that others may not have seen. For no one knows everything about the Bible.

I do have a time when I put down paper and pen and commentaries and have just a Bible reading from Genesis to Revelation. May take me two or three years depending on how spiritually lazy I am. When I finish, I start back again. I am always amazed at what God will show me in those readings.

Quantrill

 

[Tessa]

I believe that if we love God's word, search for truth and ask The ,Holy Spirit to guide us before we read or study He will do so. Then God will reveal to us what He wants us to know at that time.
If I read something that disagrees with any my belief's I won't argue unless I am fully convicted that God has led me to that truth. Instead of arguing I will go away and study it again.