Bible Question:
Thanks Tim for your reply. The two main issues that have arisen for me are women and their role in church and wives being under the authority of their husbands. I have done a quick search on these so am aware of some of the different perspectives. But what I keep coming back to is that if the bible is Gods actual words to us today, then should it be enough that we read it and take it like it says? I've red somewhere that if the bible makes sense like it is then take it as it is, if it is unclear, then interprit it in light of the bits that are clear. Some say but things are different culturally, I'm not sure about this argument. Surely if God is God then he would have made it clear if some bits of the bible were for then and some are for now. Which then takes me back to the original problem, if we are to decide (based on what we know of culture back then) which parts apply and which don't, how can we be sure we get it right? Thanks for your help with this! |
Bible Answer: Dear Diomede, Scripture was, indeed, written in a specific cultural context. We live in a different cultural context. The constant that unites us is that we are all human beings. Human nature has not changed. Consequently, it is unlikely that the advice associated with a Roman soldier insisting that I carry his kit the obligatory mile of Matthew 5:41 will have direct, literal bearing on my life. Roman soldiers are relatively rare -- at least in Missouri -- and the laws concerning conscription of citizens have changed. However, I can certainly understand the principle, and it is a blessing to creatively find ways to implement those principles! That written, I have to admit we humans are an awfully conniving lot. We're self centered, rebellious, and slow to change. We spend more time trying to figure out how to obey as little as possible and have our own way as much as possible. We even read the Scriptures -- when we bother to read them at all -- with an attitude of how much is in it for me, and what is the least I have to do. If we are honest, everyone of us struggles with this. So, the long and short of it is this: We quibble over funny language, odd cultural practices, the number of pronouns in a passage, etc. instead of becoming doers of the Word. We look for the promises and eschew the obligations. (Just watch the kinds of questions we get on the forum!) When we approach the Word of God we ought to approach it in the manner in which it is given to us. Primarily, this means to be God focused more than self focused. Here are three simple rules that I find valuable when I read the Word: 1. Look for truths about God, since the Word is His revelation to us about Himself. (Eze 20:12) 2. Look for truths about the Gospel, since the Word is God's plan and history for redemption. (Rom 1:16; Heb 1:1-2) 3. Look for principles and instructions for behaviors that are commended or ought to be avoided, since the Word is God's guide for obedience. (2 Tim 3:16-17) 4. In anything that I learn from the above, since these things are true, how ought I to live? (John 14:21; Jam 1:22) Of course, in all of the above, pray. (Col 1:9) Love it (John 15:10), learn it (2 Tim 2:15, and let it lead (Psalm 119:105, Matthew 7:24)! In Him, Doc |