Bible Question: hhmmmm.... i'm confused. i thought god's word is GOD's word irrespective of whether one is christian or not? are we proposing that GOD is accepting of different interpertations and accordingly different applications of his word due to no other reason than what one considers himself? if the interpertation is permitted to be different, than it stands to reason the application would be also. are we suggesting god abides different applications of how he said something should be done? thanks |
Bible Answer: Dear One: As far as Christian verses Jewish “Bibles,” they are as different as night and day. The Jewish “Bible” is called the Torah and includes the first five books of the Bible. There is more to the Jewish Bible than just the first five books but I have limited knowledge of the Hebrew Scriptures. The Jews do not consider the New Testament the Word of God at all! As Christians, we believe that both the Old and New Testament are the inspired Word of God. Biblical translations are unique and it is difficult to understand all of them but allow me to share what I understand. The original Hebrew Scriptures are in Hebrew. Since most of us do not read Hebrew, we relay on Biblical scholars to translate the Scriptures from Hebrew to English. For us to accept which teachings are correctly translated it means understanding the team of scholars, their work, creditability, credentials, and their own personal statements of faith. If a particular scholar said that the Bible is a good book filled with nice stories – I would not find that person to be creditable. If they change the Word of God around to have it teach what they want it to - I would not find that person to be creditable. If a scholar changed the Word of God - I would not find that person to be creditable. If a scholar believes that Jesus was only a prophet and not the Messiah - I would not find that person to be creditable. I would also talk with people whom I respect, such as Kay Arthur, Beth Moore, Chuck Smith, Anne Graham Lotz and a church leader such as a woman who has taught Bible Study Fellowship, Precept Studies, Lord Series, or someone who has worked along side a strong godly leader. I would not talk to a child regarding their opinion, a neighbor who is not a believer, nor accept what a pastor may say, “Just because he is a pastor.” We may also study Hebrew for so we may understand the Word of God and read it in its original text. I would also seriously pray for God to confirm what is correct or in error. The only other example I may give you is how different people will see the same accident from various places. Each sees the same accident, at the same time, and when their reports are taken and then read, you may wonder if they saw the same accident, were they in the same general area, were they even on the same planet. As each person tells their version of what happened, you will hear their account based on the life, upbringing, and the influences in their life. The accident may also be filtered through if the person has been in an accident. All of these examples are shared because Matthew, Mark, Luke and John may have all been at one of the accounts in Scriptures but each writes their account a little differently because they each experience life and their relationship with Jesus differently. Hopefully this has helped, God’s blessing be upon you, Psalm 139:13 |