In my last few posts (click here for the first post in this series), I have been sort of deconstructing the conservative, evangelical approach to biblical interpretation.
I noted that one of the problems with our approach (though in reality, this applies to almost every approach) to biblical interpretation is that we do not like to admit that we are wrong. In addition, and perhaps more significantly, we are seldom willing to change our lifestyles—either our beliefs or our actions—in accord with the truth.
As a result, we are more inclined (shall I say prejudiced) from the start towards certain conclusions and away from others. ALL OF US ARE.
How then shall we proceed?
In this post, I would like to begin the process of reconstructing our approach to understanding the Bible. I do not intend to set forth the various principles of biblical interpretation: such as knowing the culture, language, context, etc.
Instead, I intend to iterate what is meant by the hermeneutic of humility: that is, what it means to approach the Bible and its interpretation with humility.
In addition, I would like to add the hermeneutic of love. I hesitate to add to this, though its significance cannot be overstated, because love is a term that—I am sorry to say—is often vacuous in evangelical jargon. I was raised in an evangelical tradition in which love was often taught. Yet, I seldom recall learning of love as the Scriptures seem to define it: namely, a cross-bearing, sacrificial concern for the sake of the other.
The irony of evangelicalism
Allow me to reiterate a grand irony here. Evangelicalism affirms that in order to become a Christian, we must recognize our depravity, confess our sins, and acknowledge that Jesus is Lord. Repentance is fundamental to evangelicalism.
Now if Jesus is Lord, then shouldn’t He be the Lord of our interpretation of the Bible also? If the essence of Christianity is laying everything at the feet of Jesus and following Him wherever He leads, then should we not be willing to say, “help me, by the power of your Spirit, to understand what the text says, to believe what is true, and to be transformed in my whole being—my beliefs, my actions, and my character”?
Should not the same process of repentance and confession and transformation by which we became Christians be appropriated into every aspect of the Christian life; including how we read and understand the Scriptures?
Unfortunately, this has too often not been the case.
In addition, I find it tragically ironic that Evangelicalism prides itself on bearing witness to the nations and yet we are not willing to do the very thing we are asking them to do.
That is, we are calling others to acknowledge that they have lived with other lords and to turn and acknowledge that Jesus is Lord.
Yet, when we stick to our convictions, when we refuse to listen to others, when we refuse to pursue the truth with open minds, are we not failing to do the very thing we are asking others to do? That is, to admit that we are wrong, repent, and seek the truth.
Why should anyone follow us when we do not do the very thing that we are expecting them to do? Namely, admit when we are wrong, repent, and turn towards Christ.
With this in mind, allow me to conclude this series on the Bible and its interpretation with some closing thoughts.
Preliminary steps in biblical interpretation
With this in mind, allow me to propose what I believe are some preliminary steps for understanding the Scriptures.
- We need to ask the Holy Spirit for the humility and the character needed, by His grace, to live in accordance with what the Scripture says regardless of whether or not we like it.
- We need to approach the Bible and its interpretation with a willingness to allow the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth—whether or not we like it.
It is more important to believe what Christ has revealed and live in accord with it, than it is to believe what is wrong and refuse to be transformed.
The importance of this cannot be overstated.
- We should ask ourselves how this verse, passage, or text helps us to learn to love others with the same sacrificial love that Christ has shown us?
In closing
To those who are concerned about being uncomfortable, I wish to remind you that crosses were not meant to comfort.
To those who are anxious as to where this might lead, I wish to remind you that this is what happens when we sign up to “follow the Lamb.”
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