Part 5. Reading the bible.

Hello. Still with me! You must be a glutton for punishment. Before I launch into consideration of the synoptic gospels and particularly the Great Commandments a few disjointed thoughts on the minefield of biblical interpretation.

There is no uniform or agreed method on how to read scripture. Acres of verbiage are devoted to the subject in books and on the Internet. 

Some methods: (note that I am not presenting an exhaustive list nor am I presenting details of each approach. This is simply raising issues. I refrain from jargon such as exegesis and hermeneutics.)

1. The bible is God given, is infallible, inerrant and should be read literally.

2. The bible is God inspired and open to interpretation.

3. The bible should be understood in its historical context.

4. The bible should be read to discern unchanging principles.

5. The bible is written by individuals inspired to record their understanding of God.

One problem is how do we know what the author of a text means? For example one school of thought suggests that when we read a text it means what the reader thinks it means. The text takes on meaning Independent of the author.

In the UK when judges are asked to interpret a statute it's not permissible for them to consult Hansard (verbatim reports of proceedings) to determine what the words mean. The meaning ascribed to the words in Parliament is irrelevant. The meaning has be gleaned from the words themselves. Is the bible to be read in like manner?

Another issue is that the gospels were written many years after Jesus was on earth. Paul's letters predate the gospels. It is probable that the words of the synoptic gospels in particular are the result of committing an oral tradition to writing. How can we be certain that the words and their meaning have not changed during the course of transmission?

Another thought. I cannot remember verbatim words uttered by another person. I remember the ideas the words are intended to convey but in so doing there is the risk that I might add my own 'spin'.

Problems arise with a literal approach based on the premis that the bible is God's infallible word. How are contradictions and inconsistences to be explained? Which version of the bible do we use as our source?

So I tiptoe away from the subject.