Interpretations of the Bible

Without question belief in God is basic to quality of life.  Purpose in life should be to know, love and serve God.  Spiritual and secular life goals driven by the life’s purpose will provide love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal 5:22-23). 

Recently I was told that I did not believe in the whole Bible.  The comment was really that I did not believe in the whole Bible by his interpretation.  I believe in the whole Bible but question some of the interpretations.

Many Bible lessons are written in parables, as poems and as an allegory.  According to Wikipedia an allegory is a narrative or visual representation in which a character, place, or event can be interpreted to represent a hidden meaning with moral or political significance.

Looking at the Bible, I often think of large contract documents which were part of my corporate life.  Always recognizing that some of the contract document was going to conflict with other parts.  The quest then became what is the essential part to fulfill the contract and get paid.  When I look at the Bible, I have done a similar thing.  What I believe is the essential part of the Bible is Christ’s words in the gospels to live as He taught.  The red-letter Bibles certainly make Christ’s word stand out.

The gospels answer how we should live and how we should not.  The sermon on the mount in the gospel of Matthew is a very good short course in how to live.  Again, some of the wording takes some study and research as word meanings have changed.  The first beatitude in Matthew 5:3 I now recognize as “Blessed are those who realize their need for God.”  Many Biblical translations are “Blessed are the poor in spirit for they shall see God.”  In today’s world “poor in spirit” has a negative meaning while the intent is putting trust in God instead of worldly thoughts.  It is a spiritual attitude or way of thinking not a social or sports attitude.   ”Poor in spirit” recognizes everything comes from God.

Christ’s teaching contains no denominations, church structures, doctrines, or theology.  These are human creations meant for good but often distract from what I see in the gospels where Christ is instructing us how to live.

230613 Interpretations