Bible Question:
I find that the more I read the Bible, the more humble I become in my lack of knowledge. Every time I read it, I find new information I had somehow missed the last time. Honestly, I have always considered myself very smart, I think God is perfecting his humbling of me in this area! Thank you for your insight. I had an interesting "coming out" with my family and friends when I admitted that I was reading the Bible. I actually wrote an article for our church newsletter entitled "Have You Ever Tried to (gasp) Read the Bible?" that explained, among other things, how to know if you have a Catholic Bible. I found out that my mother-in-law was afraid to open a KJV bible because it wasn't Catholic. I told her to try it once and if it spontaneously ignited, douse it with holy water. (note the tongue in cheek please!). My husband couldn't understand why I would want to read it more than once. My very-Catholic aunt who attends mass daily told me that she just found her bible while cleaning out a room and was going to try to read some of the verses I suggested in my article. The responses I have gotten have been very interesting. I haven't really received any blatant hostile responses, but definitely some silences. I am self-named zealot, which is what I tell my friends if they ask why I do this. I have given my theological angst up to God and know that He will lead me in the right direction. I am not quite sure what you meant about presumptions of individual responsibility. Can you explain further ? Stephanie |
Bible Answer: Individual responsibility is a doctrine that seems to be born out of each believers individual need to respond with faith in our hearts and confess Jesus as Lord with our mouths. It then presumes that, each believer is also taught individually by the Holy Spirit and no confirmation of the teaching by the body of believers is necessary. It is in theory, a rejection of the teaching authority of the Church. Thus, everyone does their own thing. Confusion. The presumptions I refered to were that we all assume that everyone has the same theological abilities and opportunities. This of course has changed with each century and continent. But the Body of Christ has many members. Not all are teachers... and ...have you not noticed that not many are wise... Again, Stephanie, keep your eyes fixed on Him and you wont get tossed about by every wind and doctrine. Hold onto your childlike faith. Salvation is found in Jesus, not held exclusively by any one denomination. He apparently works through most of them despite their errors. He searches the hearts of all. The very worst thing that could ever happen to a religous person, is for Jesus to say, "Depart from me, I never new you." This can never happen to someone who has a personal relationship with Jesus while they walk according to the Spirit. Don't become religous. Put on Christ. Maranatha. |