Apparently the title of this blog is an argument being used against folks who share certain thoughts about what the Bible says.
I am curious as to which interpretations are being called into question? The linked article referenced human sexuality. But I wonder if any others. I ask because I have actually never heard anyone say this.
However, even though I have not heard it said, I think it worth responding to--even if it might be to simply get ahead of the curve.
There are several things that come to mind:
First, the idea that our interpretations are not inspired by God is a bit of a fallacious argument. A Christian who has been born from above (John 3) has the very Spirit of God dwelling within: calling, enlightening, sanctifying, and preserving that person. When guided by this Spirit, the interpretations are indeed inspired.
Second, we must always temper this with the knowledge that we are sinful, imperfect beings. Therefore, we must always measure our interpretations against and with others whom history has shown to be faithful. Our interpretations are bound to the intent of the authors of the Scriptures, and, thankfully, we have Greek and Hebrew studies as well as historical/cultural studies to guide us. When in constant dialogue with those who have been found to be faithful as well as the scholarship of ancient languages and cultures, we can be relatively sure our interpretations are correct.
Third, making the blanket statement, "your interpretations are not (inspired)," is actually a self-defeating statement. It applies to any person's interpretation. Any. Person's. Let that sink in. If you want to tell someone, "Your interpretation's wrong," on what basis do you do so? That's your interpretation, and it's not inspired. If you want to agree with another person's interpretation, it is simply a matter of your opinion. It's not because that interpretation is right or true. It's just that it fits your taste. There is no need to actually do any hard work in trying to figure out what the biblical writers tried to convey to their audience. None of that matters because none of it is inspired. It's all relative.
Finally, is it really that hard to interpret certain portions of Scripture? I mean, really. Certainly there are places in the Bible that are metaphor. They are not to be taken literally, and interpretation is warranted. There are also stories and parables that require interpretation to make application. However, there are also some very straight forward sayings that do not require a high degree of interpretation. "You shall have no other gods before me." What's difficult to interpret about that? "Love your enemies and bless those who persecute you." Trouble understanding that? Applying it might be a bit difficult, but the interpretation is pretty clear. "You shall not murder." Again, how hard is that to interpret? It's not. And in my estimation, if you are making it difficult, you are simply trying to justify a behavior that the Scriptures forbids.
