Let's Really Stir the Pot Up

I picked open for interpretation. While the words may have been inspired, man also decided what he did and did not like in the passages, picking and choosing. Copies of the translations actually show editing marks in the margins made by monks. A completely literal translation is impossible. It does not falsify what is written, just have to use a little common sense. That should get both sides on me!

I'm destined to always be an "other".

I believe it is the inspired Word of God; the Holy Spirit within a believer will aid the believer in interpretation; nothing is final but further revelation cannot conflict with God's Word and I believe what Heb 4:12 says...

"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."

Also, I always have a lexicon handy to translate from the original Greek, Hebrew or Aramaic. If we had an exact translation, the Bible would be huge. I wish someone would do that book by book and make me a library of God's Word.

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Also, I always have a lexicon handy to translate from the original Greek, Hebrew or Aramaic.

That's a neat way to find intent!

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Originally posted by LMM:
I picked open for interpretation. While the words may have been inspired, man also decided what he did and did not like in the passages, picking and choosing. Copies of the translations actually show editing marks in the margins made by monks. A completely literal translation is impossible. It does not falsify what is written, just have to use a little common sense. That should get both sides on me!

If you have a "safe room", I suggest you go to it now :-)

LOL, making preparations as we speak!
You think 10 pounds of chocolate is enough or should I take 100?

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Originally posted by LMM:
LOL, making preparations as we speak!
You think 10 pounds of chocolate is enough or should I take 100?

TAKE IT ALL!

Gottcha! 100lbs of chocolate and a keg of beer.
I think I will be fine!

I got click-happy and chose the first one before I read the other choices. Actually I would have been torn between two: "Literally the absolute and final word of God" & "One message of God among others".

This will be tough to explain clearly, but I'll try. I believe that the Bible is absolutely the Word of God. I do not believe that other books that claim to be "supplements" like the Book of Mormon are the Word of God. So in that sense it is the final written Word of God.

However, I do not believe that God abandoned us and stopped communicating with us when the Bible was written, it just appears that He changed His method. So in that sense the Bible would be one message of God among others (not other books, other ways of communicating - it is His written Word).

So how do I believe God communicates with us now? My Bible study and prayer have taught me this:

There are three beings that comprise the Godhead - God the Father, God the Son (Jesus) and God the Spirit (Holy Spirit). When God the Father sent Jesus to earth he was "Emmanuel" (God With Us). When Jesus ascended He promised that we would not have to be alone, that He would send his helper (the Holy Spirit) as a gift to live in us and guide our steps after we have given our lives to Christ. Acts 2 mentions that we receive the Holy Spirit at baptism. So if the Holy Spirit dwells in me and guides my steps (to the extent that I will follow), then I consider the guidance of the Spirit as communication from God.

Clear as muddy water?

Other.

All supposed "Canonical Texts" are believed to be the bearers of absolute authority by their subscribers, regardless of the lack of evidence. IMHO, they should all be studied as comparative mythology.

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Originally posted by 8I:
Other.

OH *sniff*, I knew there were more others out there. I'm not alone!

That is where our similarities start & end...haha...but I'll take it.

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Originally posted by _Joy_:

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Originally posted by 8I:
Other.

OH *sniff*, I knew there were more others out there. I'm not alone!

That is where our similarities start & end...haha...but I'll take it.

Well, I've been known to keep good company and you're now evidence of that. lol

I'm sure we have a lot more in common than we may realize.

<img src="http://www.myemoticons.com/emoticon-critic/images/hug-and-kiss/hug-emoticon.gif" border="0" alt="Hug emoticon" title="Hug emoticon" />

looks like i just broke the board.

Only 19 votes, that's sad. There is over 7000 members listed.

I picked an inspired guide open for interpretation.
I believe the Scripture is to be used for us to contemplate the "why", to give us meaning and hope.
I don't think it should be used as a literal history of the planet. Ok for a history of the Jewish people.

BTW, we are told that if we pray , God will interpret the scripture for us,and that we will not need any one else. Maybe if more people did that, we wouldn't need all these TV preachers .

LMM, from what I've learned since I've been here, there's 19 or 20 actual members...and 6,981 aliases LOL

You have a point!

SC

For the sake of mankind I hope you are correct.