Bible Question: Lowest Common Denominator? Let me know what you know about or feel about seeking the Lowest Common Denominator when dealing with Faith and-or Bible issues. By this I mean instead of trying to find answers by trying to force every single 'jot and tittle' into your theology, including 'large prime numbers,' how about finding a simpler approach. I understand you cannot just lop off remainders and round off important matters, but sometimes the simple answer is the answer. Another point is that the larger the common denominator, the more fractions (factions) there are. I am pretty certain that Jesus would prefer us to be one, as He is One. I am also pretty certain that neither your belief nor mine is perfectly tuned to Truth. |
Bible Answer: This is a difficult question to answer because it's hard to determine exactly what you're suggesting and what prompted the suggestion. Is this a reaction or response to something that was said on the list, or simply a general suggestion that we should not take the Bible too literally or too seriously in judging the merit of theological "truths"? If this is a reaction to someone dismissing a biblically orthodox view based on their interpretations, I would agree that we should practice humility in recognizing our fallibility (as well as that of Calvin, Luther, Arminius, Wesley, etc.). However, if you're suggesting that (in the name of tolerance and good will) we ignore contrary arguments or retreat from using Biblical texts to test someone's theological claims, I think you're way off base. When (you or) I find that my (or my most respected theologian's) understanding disagrees with God, I need to have the humility to acknowledge that He is infallible (and therefore correct) and that we are fallible (and therefore wrong). Likewise, if you and I agree to usurp the authority of Scripture and place our own sensibilities over those of the Scriptures, we have rejected the only authoritative source by which to test doctrine. We become "like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind" and simply go after the doctrines that "tickle our ears" most. This is anathema to the discovery of Truth; this would be futile and foolish. |