Biblical Scripture On Christian Faith

Dr. Leo Percer in his video presentation gave an excellent definition of Hermeneutics. He articulated that hermeneutics was an art and science of biblical interpretation. My thoughts concur with his, and in addition, hermeneutics could also be an in depth comprehension of biblical interpretation that relinquish the apprehension of one’s thoughts and focus mainly on how was the text develop through the intellect of the author. The role of author as stated by Dr. Percer is the “Supreme.” Nothing can be interpreted from the Bible without first engaging in research to determine what were the motivating factors involved that thrust him to write the text, or what was the anticipated outcome that the author wanted the readers to obtain.

The third section dissects the formation of the New Testament with more historical context and views of other writings defined as Gnostic writing. Bruce explains the spoken words of the apostles carried as much authority as their written words and gives an in depth explanation how the Gospels and Pauline writings were viewed by the Church Fathers. The rest of the section demonstrates the Church Fathers and their views of what was to be considered scripture and the councils that affirmed the inspired scripture.

The Bible can be interpreted in a literal form ( i.e. direct instruction) or figurative form (i.e. poetical language). How one interprets the bible either by direct instruction or poetic language depends on how they were taught (Graham, 2009). There are two different categories professed and controlling beliefs in which a person operates within. A professed belief is generated by a formal verbal instruction which usually results in one’s behaviors not fully match with their beliefs. A controlling belief is generated by experiences that most often lead to one’s behaviors closely matching their beliefs because of what they perceive as truth (Graham,

In the study of Christian theology, scripture plays an essential role in the revelation of the Doctrine of God. Scriptures are “God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) words, written by the Holy Spirit through divine inspiration of prophets. They are necessary for the proper understanding of the doctrine of God, the self-revelation of God, the proof of God’s existence, and for the discernment of false doctrines.

If the burden of authorship were laid on man, it would like the foresight of God for the future. Because God divinely authored the Bible, he can also use it to speak to us today despite the difference in culture from the date of its authorship to now. That does not mean that we can just find any meaning we want and assume that God planted it there, it is still our responsibility to ensure that we are using proper study habits to decipher the word. One of the biggest issues I see today is that we have a habit of taking scripture out of context reading only the portion of the verse that supports our thoughts or not taking into consideration the context of who the scripture was directed towards or the culture of that time. During the reading in this week’s session, there were two things that stood out to me. McGrath notes in the Christian Theology Reader that under Hodge’s view “Biblical Authority is specifically linked with the correct Biblical interpretation” (McGrath, 2011, p. 111) and that the Bible is “absolutely infallible when interpreted in the same sense intended, and hence are clothed with absolute divine authority” (McGrath, 2011, p.

Too much of the Christian worldview’s attention is focused on reconciling the Bible with science and archaeological discoveries when it should be focused on redemption. The theme of the Bible could be summarized into four categories Creation,

Most Christians would assert that the Bible has importance for their faith and understanding in how to live out their beliefs. However, there is great diversity in how exactly this takes shape. At issue is one’s perspective on how to read the Bible and the authority that is granted to Scripture. Differing viewpoints can be placed along a continuum ranging from conservative to liberal perspectives on the role of Scripture. Sparks (n.d.) highlights the hallmarks of different traditions based on a number of factors such as how the Bible is read, views of inerrancy, and the authority of tradition. Both Protestant Fundamentalists and Conservative Evangelicals hold to biblical inerrancy as a hallmark of their faith. However, the two diverge regarding

To understand how each group looks at scripture as well as other documents to back up their view of the law, grasping others perspectives can be different. Paula

To interpret the Bible, it is not about simply reading like it is just another book; it takes some common knowledge of the Bible to completely understand. A reader is also an interpreter. A reader can easily read into particular words, phrases, and different scriptures. This is called eisegesis. Eisegesis according to http://www.dictionary.com/browse/eisegesis is “an interpretation, especially of Scripture, that expresses the interpreter 's own ideas, bias, or the like, rather than the meaning of the text.” In this chapter it is also stated that the scripture of the Bible is given in human words throughout history.

What we learn from Scripture is the power of Scripture itself. "For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword," Hebrews says (4:12). Isaiah 55:11 says that God’s word will accomplish his will. In Acts 2:37 we see the results of the proclamation of the word of God in changing people lives.

How are we to approach Scripture? Are we to come without any preconceived ideas or notions? Or are we to approach Scripture with all tradition and experience? The truth is, everyone reads the Bible from a perspective; meaning everyone comes with preconceived ideas of what the Bible means—what they think it means. People cannot help but read their lives into the Scriptures. However, because the Bible is divinely inspired, God is able to overcome those ideas so that his truth is clearly seen. Therefore, is one approach to reading, interpreting and understanding the bible better than another? Can certain approaches to the Bible affect the Bible’s authority? Absolutely. Ultimately the Bible is the story of God, not the story of people. Therefore, what God (and Jesus) does and says, is of utmost important and everyone else in the Bible is a minor character that certainly brings understanding, but not the main point. Therefore, two examples come into view in their approach to Scripture; Phyllis Trible, a feminist theologian and N. T. Wright, an English New Testament scholar. In as much as they differ in their approach to Biblical authority and interpretation, they reveal the challenges of giving the Bible the authority it is due. Specifically, Trible approaches the Bible by focusing on all the unjust treatment of women; whereas, Wright focuses on what is missing from Scripture and the churches need to fill in the gaps. In each example, there are clearly strengths, that give the

In doing so, we can discover that final authority is not in and of scripture itself but of the Triune God who is the Author of scripture. The second obstacle to consider is that many have dismissed scripture as a book of Israelitic & Christian stories. Wright contends that these stories are told to inform us of “internal dynamics” of the past so as to engage us in the present for transformation into Christ-likeness. (p.25). Thirdly, Wright asserts that the question of scripture’s authority should not be viewed as a list of rules where God condescends to man. Rather, scripture should be received as God’s purpose to save and renew the entire world by authorizing the church—God’s agent in the world—with His mission through the work of the Holy Spirit. Thus, it is imperative that biblical scholars “see the role of scripture not simply as being [informative about or revelatory of God’s truth] but as a means of God’s action in and through us.” (p.28)

Are the Scriptures meant to be interpreted? Well, some folks insisted that the Bible is to be believed, and not be interpreted. Yes, we must believe the Holy Scriptures, but we must also be able to explain the Holy Scriptures. Jesus expounded to the two disciples from the Scriptures concerning Himself (Luke 24:27). Philip encountered an eunuch when the latter was reading a passage from Isaiah the prophet (Acts 8:26 – 30). Reading does not equal understanding. The eunuch admitted his need for someone to explain the passage of Scriptures to him (Acts 8:31). God, Who is merciful, provided the Biblical text and the interpreter. As a result, the eunuch believed in Jesus Christ and was water-baptized (Acts 32:38).

I believe that scripture is the infallible Word of God, divinely inspired by God through human hands, for the teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training of Christians and forming the basis of the Christian life and guiding them on the path to Christ. I believe that scripture is infallible rather than inerrant, because human writers through which God spoke can still make mistakes. However, Matthew 24:35 reminds us that God’s word is true in all ages and places. 2 Timothy 3:16 gives reasons why it is import for believes to use the scripture such as teaching and correcting. Scripture guides us along the path we should as evidences by Psalms 119:105 comparing Scripture to a lamp to show us the way. I have also personal experienced the wisdom that the scriptures can offer to those who need guidance. I also believe that scripture should be the main point of guidance, which is something that my church has taught me such I was young. Matthew 7:24 instructs us to build our house on the rock (scripture) which is the most solid place to rest our life.

Since one of the characteristics of God is that He is unchanging, there are theological truths He provides us in Scripture that transcend time and different cultures. We need to understand these theological principles when considering how to live them out today. We also need to evaluate a principle in a passage of Scripture to the rest of the