General Scholarship is Indispensable for Understanding the Bible

[William]

The truth — which is so obvious but, unfortunately, not taken seriously enough — is that, no matter what some say to the contrary, every 'Bible-believing' Christian is utterly dependent on scholarship to understand the Bible. No one illustrates this better for me than James F. McGrath in this blog post — from which the image below comes.

It was the same author, in his book The Only True God: Early Christian Monotheism in Its Jewish Context, who drove home to me the point that “for those readers without knowledge of ancient languages, ancient cultures, and other such subjects, the meaning of the Bible is at times not at all clear, while at other times it can seem to clearly mean things that it is unlikely to have meant in its original context.”
He does “not wish to discourage interested individuals from reading the Bible in English translation—far from it.” He just wants “all readers to understand that they are having the Bible interpreted to them by those who have translated it into their native language and are then engaging in interpretation themselves through the act of reading.”
Seeing that “[t]he books they are reading derive from a very different world”, what's the Bible student, or the Christian who wants to understand the Bible, to do? They “should not cease reading but [here's the important bit, I think] should utilize the multitude of books and other resources that scholars have made available, expressly with the aim of helping readers make sense of these ancient texts. Having done that, one should then go on to express one’s conclusions about what these writings mean with an appropriate humility and tentativeness, aware that what seems obvious to a reader today may not have been what seemed obvious to a first-century reader.” [Italics mine]

 

[William]

Here's another interesting one: 5 Easy Steps to Reading the Bible Literally.

 

[LeeB]

The Holy Spirit is the only way to understand the Bible. The Spirit teaches and guides us into all truth. There is no other way. To rely on men for this is exactly what has led to all heresy. 1 Corinthians 1:25-27
John 16:13 , 1 Corinthians 2:14 Since the death of the Apostles Satan has attacked the church and has placed in it wolves in sheep's clothing, tares and those who crept in unawares bringing in damnable heresies. Now after all this in these end times God's Spirit, the Elijah to come, must restore all things. Anyone who puts their trust in men are fools.

 

[William]

The Holy Spirit is the only way to understand the Bible. The Spirit teaches and guides us into all truth. There is no other way. To rely on men for this is exactly what has led to all heresy. 1 Corinthians 1:25-27
John 16:13 , 1 Corinthians 2:14 Since the death of the Apostles Satan has attacked the church and has placed in it wolves in sheep's clothing, tares and those who crept in unawares bringing in damnable heresies. Now after all this in these end times God's Spirit, the Elijah to come, must restore all things. Anyone who puts their trust in men are fools.

This is a gross misunderstanding. This whole reply is a non sequitur, in fact.
You shouldn't have bothered engaging with my post, because it appears you haven't actually read the attached blog post. You're jumping to conclusions. Perhaps I should copy and paste it here so you don't have any excuse?
Well, here it is:

Here’s a challenge to those Christians who denigrate scholarship as causing confusion and inappropriately asking questions and raising issues. Just read the Bible for yourself, without the aid of scholarship.
Sounds simple, right?
Sounds like just what you wanted to do? Not so fast…

• If you are going to do what I’ve challenged you to, then you cannot read an English translation of the Bible. Translations rely on all sorts of scholars and experts in both the original languages, the Biblical literature, and the theory of translation.

• You cannot simply read a critical edition of the Greek or Hebrew text. Those critical editions are also produced by scholars, who painstakingly compile the readings in manuscripts so as to give translators and other scholars convenient access to the text.
• You cannot use an original Greek or Hebrew manuscript that is held in a library or museum. Libraries and museums are likewise places of academic research and scholarship.

When you’ve done that, do get back to me. Or, alternatively, just acknowledge that you are entirely dependent on scholars for your access to the Bible throughout the process: study of original manuscripts, collation of readings in critical editions, translations into your native language, and the commentaries and other such helps that hopefully your pastor uses even if you do not.

The point, if you still managed to miss it, is this: The texts — the collection of documents making up the Bible — as we have them today are undeniably a product of.....human effort, painstaking human scholarly labour! To pick up a modern bound volume of the canonical documents, translated into English, for that matter, is already to rely on humans — which, according to your view, makes you a fool!
Perhaps you should read more carefully first, understand what you read, then offer a reasoned response. I tire of your tirades; they smack of anti-intellectualism and obscurantism. I've run out of patience, I'm afraid.

 

[William]

You claim that “The Holy Spirit is the only way to understand the Bible.”

What if there's no "Bible" for you to understand with the help of the Holy Spirit?
Good for you, there's a "Bible" — thanks to all the "men" who worked tirelessly for you to have a "Bible" to begin with!
It would be wise for you to heed the professor's admonition and “just acknowledge that you are entirely dependent on scholars for your access to the Bible throughout the process: study of original manuscripts, collation of readings in critical editions, translations into your native language.”

 

[LeeB]

This is a gross misunderstanding. This whole reply is a non sequitur, in fact.
You shouldn't have bothered engaging with my post, because it appears you haven't actually read the attached blog post. You're jumping to conclusions. Perhaps I should copy and paste it here so you don't have any excuse?
Well, here it is:

The point, if you still managed to miss it, is this: The texts — the collection of documents making up the Bible — as we have them today are undeniably a product of.....human effort, painstaking human scholarly labour! To pick up a modern bound volume of the canonical documents, translated into English, for that matter, is already to rely on humans — which, according to your view, makes you a fool!
Perhaps you should read more carefully first, understand what you read, then offer a reasoned response. I tire of your tirades; they smack of anti-intellectualism and obscurantism. I've run out of patience, I'm afraid.

Good.

 

[LeeB]

What if there's no "Bible" for you to understand with the help of the Holy Spirit?
Good for you, there's a "Bible" — thanks to all the "men" who worked tirelessly for you to have a "Bible" to begin with!
It would be wise for you to heed the professor's admonition and “just acknowledge that you are entirely dependent on scholars for your access to the Bible throughout the process: study of original manuscripts, collation of readings in critical editions, translations into your native language.”

Abraham had no bible. God needs no bible to reveal His truth. All those who did write the original words were inspired by the Holy Spirit and even if men have mistranslated or deliberately changed some it is no problem for God's Spirit.

 

[Bvenski]

Its getting a little heated in here.

I'm gonna have the best of both worlds, which is being led by God's Spirit and reading/studying any Bible translation, lexicon, concordance, commentary, Interlinear, etc., that I can get my hands on.

Way back in the day, there were many illiterate Jews & Gentiles who could only hear the word from Paul & other disciples of Christ. So they had God's Spirit, their ears & mind. They were saved.

Be that as it may, I appreciate the scholarship that has been done. However, being that many scholars are heavily biased w/ their trinity and other doctrines, one has to be careful with what they are reading/studying.

The commencement of throwing vegetables at me can now begin. I'm ready.

 

[LeeB]

Not from me Bvenski. I too study the written word but as you said there are many interpretations of that word. If the Spirit of the Father speaks into the mind this is a far better way to learn because it bypasses any lies of men. We have no need that any man should teach us. The Prophets, Jesus and the Apostles were taught by the Spirit and so are all Christians.

 

[LeeB]

William places his faith in men, I place mine in God. The many scholars he worships operate in the wisdom of men that is to God foolishness. God is able to teach an illiterate person the gospel. William is an advocate of liberal Christianity, a new wave of ungodlyness that has brought Satanism into orthodox churches and is causing breakups in them. William believes that scripture must adjust to the changes in society so as to embrace what orthodox labels as perversion . William attacks me because I know what his motives are and they do not fit with orthodox teaching. I know why you are abandoning orthodoxy to embrace liberal Christianity William.

 

[Outcast]

Wow, I didn't expect this OP to flame up so quickly here. Since the statements made here stand as they are, I'll relate my experience in learning to understand scripture.
First off, I read without any helps to understanding other than what preachers and teachers told me. It was, at that point, easy and believable because - and as long as I accepted what these people said - I was acceptable to them. I even delivered sermons in my church where I repeated what I had been taught. After that, I determined that my ignorance required me to enroll in college courses for Pastoral Ministry and Scriptural Studies. It took a few years, but I made it through.
But then, the REAL trouble started: I found out that I still didn't understand enough. My research library grew so that I could begin my own research. and I collected information regarding language, culture, and the history of the Mideast. I prayed to the point of mumbling and hoping that God's Spirit would intercede. During all those studies I found that my results did not match everything that I was told previously. Some did, but a lot didn't.
Over the years, I became controversial within my brethren in my beliefs. When that happened, I was still "acceptable" only because I didn't challenge that sacred Oxen of "Christian" Mandatory Doctrines: the Trinity. I was removed from my place in the church. While I tried to pretend that this didn't shake up my life, inside I was turned upside down. I even asked God to restore my unacceptable beliefs so that I can serve Him within that church. (strange, huh?)
He didn't do that; in fact, He made my understanding even stronger.
So, I believe the OP procedures of hermeneutics are essential in the process. One cannot simply take an English translation and accept that every commentary and word is untarnished. When we acknowledge that, it leads to deeper study and understanding. But without God's help, my beliefs would still be on sticky notes rather than etched in granite.
Man's ego and search for power has done so many things to alter the "church" that began in the 1st Century A.D. The shambles that it is in now is too firmly entrenched to be corrected my any man. I realize that my own dependence and relationship with God my up to me. However, my innate desire to be within a community that follows "the Way" is so necessary to my firm footing. I hope the apposing opinions expressed here merge closer to agreement.

 

[LeeB]

Outcast, your story is very similar to mine. Scripture is very clear that without the Holy Spirit no one can know the things of God. The Apostle Paul said that he could plant and Apollos could water but God had to give the increase. Before my conversion I was in the Worldwide Church of God. Armstrongism, a very legalistic church. I like you came to see the errors but not because some man told me or by reading anything. I call it divine revelation. My thoughts were being altered to understand the truth, then when reading scripture the words made sense. I do not rule out books or writings from men truly inspired but the beginning of inspiration was God's Spirit. We all come from different backgrounds but the Spirit only can lead us all into unity. The common mistake made by all who have been deceived is the tool of the deceiver, a man. No man should ever be held in such high esteem but Christ, the prophets and Apostles. The deception today was predicted by all these men as God informed them. Ezekiel 34 is a prophecy about how God would deal with that deception. My conversion was over 30 years ago and I do not fellowship in any of this worlds churches. I do fellowship with a small group that came out of the WCG . Here on Simply Christian I share what I have learned, that is all I can do, I cannot teach because that belongs to God. I have prayed for you and hope that you may find others with the mind of Christ to fellowship with but you will always have God and His son.

 

[LeeB]

William seems to think that only scholars can understand scripture.
The first 1500 years there was no Bible, no writings, yet there were men like Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph that had the Holy Spirit teach them directly. Moses, before he wrote anything had understanding and was being led by the Holy Spirit. None of these and many more people did not have the New Testament writings yet by reading Hebrews 11 you find they had faith and understanding by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:21 , 2 Timothy 3:16 , 1 Peter 1:11 , 2 Samuel 23:2

 

[Outcast]

William seems to think that only scholars can understand scripture.
The first 1500 years there was no Bible, no writings, yet there were men like Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph that had the Holy Spirit teach them directly. Moses, before he wrote anything had understanding and was being led by the Holy Spirit. None of these and many more people did not have the New Testament writings yet by reading Hebrews 11 you find they had faith and understanding by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:21 , 2 Timothy 3:16 , 1 Peter 1:11 , 2 Samuel 23:2

Yes, and I think it may have been better before we had the ability to read translated words in a book. Now we are divided because we place more authority in man's subjective translations than we do in our relationship with God and His Son. Over the years, it has become plain to me that words are selected based more on the translators previously held doctrines than an objective choice of words. Seeking truth in scripture is not a minor task. The things that "our brothers and sisters" do to each other over disagreements is truly sad. I'd carefully state that man has replaced God with His book.

 

[LeeB]

This is a gross misunderstanding. This whole reply is a non sequitur, in fact.
You shouldn't have bothered engaging with my post, because it appears you haven't actually read the attached blog post. You're jumping to conclusions. Perhaps I should copy and paste it here so you don't have any excuse?
Well, here it is:

The point, if you still managed to miss it, is this: The texts — the collection of documents making up the Bible — as we have them today are undeniably a product of.....human effort, painstaking human scholarly labour! To pick up a modern bound volume of the canonical documents, translated into English, for that matter, is already to rely on humans — which, according to your view, makes you a fool!
Perhaps you should read more carefully first, understand what you read, then offer a reasoned response. I tire of your tirades; they smack of anti-intellectualism and obscurantism. I've run out of patience, I'm afraid.

What translation did Noah , Abraham, Isaac and Jacob read William ? You totally eliminate the reason for the giving of the Holy Spirit. The men who wrote the New Testament, what scholars made that possible. As far as interpretation , ancient languages from many cultures other than Hebrew or Greek have been translated in many different languages just as the Bible was so translating it is not a spiritual thing. Also many errors were made and pagans altered scripture to agree with the trinity and other topics. The ancient Israelites had the Torah in their language but it did them no good, the Greek language was well known during the days of Jesus and the Apostles yet look at the myriad of problems Paul had to deal with in the churches. Just knowing a language is not knowing the truth of God. Tongues is proof of language being a barrier thus requiring a miracle to overcome and also showing there is a spiritual language that makes understanding possible. God is the one who confounded the common language of the Earth, God can also speak into the human spirit as the Apostle experienced in 2 Corinthians 12:2-4 and others heard a voice from a spirit. If it were only a matter of being a scholar and everyone became a scholar then this world would only have one church not 55,000 different sects of Christianity. The scholars you revere are the liars that have deceived .

 

[Outcast]

What translation did Noah , Abraham, Isaac and Jacob read William ? You totally eliminate the reason for the giving of the Holy Spirit. The men who wrote the New Testament, what scholars made that possible. As far as interpretation , ancient languages from many cultures other than Hebrew or Greek have been translated in many different languages just as the Bible was so translating it is not a spiritual thing. Also many errors were made and pagans altered scripture to agree with the trinity and other topics. The ancient Israelites had the Torah in their language but it did them no good, the Greek language was well known during the days of Jesus and the Apostles yet look at the myriad of problems Paul had to deal with in the churches. Just knowing a language is not knowing the truth of God. Tongues is proof of language being a barrier thus requiring a miracle to overcome and also showing there is a spiritual language that makes understanding possible. God is the one who confounded the common language of the Earth, God can also speak into the human spirit as the Apostle experienced in 2 Corinthians 12:2-4 and others heard a voice from a spirit. If it were only a matter of being a scholar and everyone became a scholar then this world would only have one church not 55,000 different sects of Christianity. The scholars you revere are the liars that have deceived .

I do recognize that many buy "study bibles" thinking that they will get the absolute truth when reading the commentaries provided within them. People are so easily deceived because they expect that people who have theology degrees cannot be mistaken or deceived. Our only resource that can be trusted is God. However, I fear that seldom do theologians depend on God's teaching, but rather they search only for the majority agreement from colleagues. God's truth does not need the majority opinion of man, but so very many depend on it.

 

[LeeB]

AGAIN, THE IDEA THAT WE MUST HAVE SCHOLARS SO THAT WE CAN UNDERSTAND THE SCRIPTURES IS A HERESY. WHERE WERE THE SCHOLARS WHO TAUGHT ENOCH ,NOAH, ABRAHAM, ISAAC ,JACOB, ALL THE PROPHETS, KING DAVID AND MANY MORE. WHO TAUGHT JESUS AND THE APOSTLES AND WHO WILL TEACH ANYONE THAT COMES TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF TRUTH ? John 6:45 “EVERYONE WHO HAS HEARD THE FATHER AND LEARNED FROM HIM COMES TO ME.” WILLIAM LEARNED FROM HUMAN SCHOLARS, I LEARNED FROM YAHWEH THROUGH JESUS CHRIST.​

 

[Outcast]

If it were just a matter of sitting on the sofa, asking God for knowledge, and waiting for our brains to be filled with truth; many would do it. Since it requires prayer, examining, study, and time; it is rare.

Before I read up on the ancient Hebrew culture, some passages seemed strange to me. It answered questions. Whenever I look around and see other English translations, I witness the word choices and punctuation additions that manipulate the text. I have very little faith in man when it comes to truth. My only resource is God's help for clarity.

 

[LeeB]

If it were just a matter of sitting on the sofa, asking God for knowledge, and waiting for our brains to be filled with truth; many would do it. Since it requires prayer, examining, study, and time; it is rare.

Before I read up on the ancient Hebrew culture, some passages seemed strange to me. It answered questions. Whenever I look around and see other English translations, I witness the word choices and punctuation additions that manipulate the text. I have very little faith in man when it comes to truth. My only resource is God's help for clarity.

This is a close description (your first paragraph) to how the spirit of Yahweh teaches the spirit in man through the one and only mediator , Christ.

 

[Outcast]

This is a close description (your first paragraph) to how the spirit of Yahweh teaches the spirit in man through the one and only mediator , Christ.

Yes, I agree. I also know that those for whom I am concerned will not search for the spirit of Yahweh for understanding unless they first have cause to doubt what they have been told. For each of us, that doubt comes from different events. For me, it was searching the scriptures to validate doctrines. I think - for others - it make come from being given resources that cause that doubt.