Choosing Bible interpretation?

Question

Like someone else said here, people can interpret bible verses to use it to pursue their own benefit.

For example, people in the southern states used bible verses to justify slavery. Nowadays, most of people find it ridiculous.

Some articles I was reading about whether masturbation was a sin or not. Lots of people said it was a sin, because it does not glorify god and it could be addictive. Others were using other verses to address its benefit to health.

So is there any point of listening to somebody's bible interpretation, when the issue is not directly stated in the bible?

Answer 1

Many have misused God's Word. Keep in mind that as Jesus used Bible verses against Satan in the desert, Satan tried to use Bible verses right back in an effort to deceive Him. And the Pharisees knew the Bible inside and out, yet when Jesus was before them, they didn't recognize that He was the Messiah or even understand the very law of the OT which He spoke to them (nor the prophecies which foretold of Him). What is illustrated by all of this is that not only is knowing the Word of God important, but also having proper understanding of it. And that comes from God who reveals the mysteries of Scripture to us through revelation, etc.

Answer 2

I don't believe masturbation was a problem in those days when the Bible was written because they were exercising so much with all that walking, carrying water, gathering stuff.  No super-markets.  So, that would help to take the desire away plus the women married at an early age then.

It's true, people have interpreted the Bible to mean what they want it to mean.  Some people believe in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and some don't.  Some say miracles are not for today but there is no evidence this is true.  People have all sorts of misinterpretations.  We do need to have the manifestation of the Holy Spirit in our lives and this is proof enough of any interpretations.  So, what it comes down to is that those who have received miracles and received answers from God on certain things know that this is true.  They know miracles are for today and that the Baptism of the Holy Spirit applies to now as well as then.  And the gifts follow those who believe.  Those who have not received anything from God tend to think nobody has so many times, but if they were around those who believe and listened to them, they would hopefully start changing their minds.

To understand servanthood, read Philippians 2 and Romans 6.  After we have become delivered from serving the devil, and come into the liberty of the children of God, we become servants of righteousness.  (We can replace this theology/thinking with the other idea of servants I think).

Answer 3

Yes the proper use of scripture from an informed point of view is always beneficial. People have always exploited good things and used them for their own gain.

Read scripture in the light of the knowledge and truths that the Church has taught us about God.

God is a trinity, He gave us an example of unity within the Godhead and of being a servant. Jesus did nothing to seek His own self gratification. So why would he break character on a sexual subject and endorse s*x outside of marriage, with or without a partner?

And if God endorses masturbation for example, why does it make people feel ashamed and dirty and guilty, why is it a wholly selfish act?

Answer 4

In bible times, most people married at puberty and wives had to submit to their husbands, so the issue was a little different than today.

Answer 5

Everyone has different interpretations about the bible, religion and spirituality.  Most Christians interprete the bible to say being born a g*y person is a sin, but in g*y churches the bible is interpreted differently stating it's not a sin.  That's the beauty of religious freedom here in the U.S. Find a religion that supports your personal beliefs right or wrong.  Because no religion has it completely right.

Answer 6

The Bible is clear it is intended to be taken in totality, what some people do is cherry pick(take a line of scripture) and say that or this is what it means. Many cults do this(JW,Mormonism) read before and after scripture the true meaning is there.

Answer 7

Most all in the south do not justify slavery, today and not all in the time of the war between the States, believed in it. Although men like Charles Darwin did, and his book became popular back then. The Bible does not condone slavery, it tells us that men would be slaves and how to deal with it before God. There is only one right interpretation given by the power of the Holy Spirit on the Word, in the lite of Gods truth.

Answer 8

Avoid extremism and literalism...the Bible is a great guide book, it's just not a rule book...