Some Discussions About Interpretation

[Bravus]

I know some people from here read my blog, but others don't. A series of recent posts - and the quite energetic discussion that ensued from those posts - were inspired by discussions here on ClubAdventist/AdventistForum, so I thought I'd bring those few posts together here in case members here wanted to discuss some of the issues raised.

Philosophy of Science for Creationists

Terrifying

Interpreting the Bible Pt 1 - Daniel 2

Interpreting the Bible Pt 2 - Genesis 1

Interpreting the Bible Pt 3 - Plain and Simple Words

Creationism and Possibilities

[Bravus]

Something my very good friend Cam said in the discussion of the last post above struck me:

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BTW the SDA cornerstones of sabbath, sanctuary (no Quasimodo here), and sanctification spiral clockwise down the plughole with non literalisation, but that’s another story.

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Really? I don't know - I kinda thought that the doctrines are meant to be derived from the Book, not the Book interpreted in such a way as to protect the doctrines.

Do you agree that, without a literal interpretation of the Bible in every particular, these key Adventist doctrines fall over?

[Gerr]

Well, how do we understand one another in our conversations? Do we take everything as literal? Do we interpret every word, phrase, sentence, as allegorical/metaphorical/apocalyptic?

Gerry

[Bravus]

Great question. But perhaps not quite a direct analogue. Some of the issues we get into in conversations here are because we tend to assume we're all the same with the same sets of assumptions, and it's sometimes laborious to really come to understand one another. So perhaps the question is 'how do we understand someone from a different culture, with a different first language, in conversation?' And I'd say carefully, humbly, thoughtfully and with some work and interpretation and learning.

[Nicodema]

I only understand others as allegorical, metaphorical, or apocalyptic when the spirit inside me so informs me to view their words that way. This doesn't happen often with human beings, but it can happen at times.

I once read an entire two- or three- page technical "white paper" as spiritual metaphor and while I could not understand a word of it literally (honest!) I understood exactly what it was saying spiritually & metaphorically. Let me tell you that was one unusual experience!

[Amelia]

It doesnt matter whether they are literal, biographical or hormonal. I rarely understand anyone.

[Gerr]

Quote:

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Do you agree that, without a literal interpretation of the Bible in every particular, these key Adventist doctrines fall over?

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[:"blue"]Well, if the Genesis account of origins is only allegorical or a myth, the Sabbath would have absolutely no relevance to me. The concept of sin and the need for sanctification totally foreign. If there was no literal temple/sanctuary here on earth which was supposed to be a faint representation of the heavenly, why should I believe in an imaginary heaven where an imaginary Savior went to be High Priest for me, preparing an imaginary home for me?

It is one thing to understand as allegorical/metaphorical/parable those things that are presented as such, and quite another to interpret as such when the context give no such indication. The story of creation & Adam & Eve are presented as matter-of-factly as Abraham and what he did. Where are you going to draw the line between myth and fact? Literal and allegorical? By what rules of interpretation? [/]

Gerry

[Amelia]

Bumpity

[LifeHiscost]

Quote:

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Gerry Cabalo said:

By what rules of interpretation? [/]

Gerry

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[:"red"] "Knowing this first, that no prophecy [declared will and purpose of God] of the scripture is of any private interpretation." [/] 2 Peter 1:20 KJV

bold mine, drawing from another translation

I know you recognize this, Gerry. Just thought I'd add it for the believers and those desiring the same.

[LifeHiscost]

Quote:

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Amelia said:

It doesnt matter whether they are literal, biographical or hormonal. I rarely understand anyone.

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Sometimes it's best to leave it at that.

[:"red"] "The high priest stood up and said to Him, "Do You not answer? What is it that these men are testifying against You?" But Jesus kept silent..." [/]

Matthew 26:62,63 NASB

[:"red"] "Do not be excessively righteous and do not be overly wise. Why should you ruin yourself?" [/]

Ecc 7:16 NASB

Keep the faith!!