I'd like to know...

[Dennis1209]

I feel uniquely qualified to ask the following questions; because I have letters after my name, officially they are “Sr.” 😊 I know it’s only two letters, but I’ll get to that.

We all read the same Bible. There sure are some hardcore divergences of opinion in theology and prophecy here on Worthy, and everywhere else for that matter. Where and how did we form our theology and hermeneutics, and is ours the correct one, how do we know and why?

True born-again believers, with opposite views of anything other than the way to Salvation and the core tenants of the faith, does that make either, or, any less Christian?

On many scriptural issues throughout the centuries, scholars and biblical experts have 180 degrees opposite views, and theology. Can there be more than one correct interpretation reading the same thing? Who and what is a scholar?

SC̵HOL´AR, n. [Low L. scholaris, from schola, a school; Gr. σχολη, leisure, a school; Fr. ecolier; D. schoolier; G. schüler; Dan. skolelœrd. The Danish word signifies school-learned. See School.]

 1. One who learns of a teacher; one who is under the tuition of a preceptor; a pupil; a disciple; hence, any member of a college, academy or school; applicable to the learner of any art, science or branch of literature.

 2. A man of letters.

Noah Webster, in Noah Webster’s First Edition of An American Dictionary of the English Language. (Anaheim, CA: Foundation for American Christian Education, 2006).

What if a person is self-taught or homeschooled, spending as much or more time studying the same materials-resources not being mentored, and in our day, more materials and resources are available with a click of a mouse? Is that home school person less knowledgeable in theology than a Bible college graduate?

And what about that college, seminary, or institution of learning? Is it left of center, liberal, conservative, become politically correct, denominational? Do all the class professors and teachers share the same ideology?

So, the question is: If I can quote and document numerous scholars’, filled with the Holy Spirit, with initials after their names, theology school graduates, showing you view is incorrect. Why does one still adamantly hold to their own personal views?

There has to be a correct interpretation and a wrong one.

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

[Deborah_]

7 minutes ago, Dennis1209 said:

What if a person is self-taught or homeschooled, spending as much or more time studying the same materials-resources not being mentored, and in our day, more materials and resources are available with a click of a mouse? Is that home school person less knowledgeable in theology than a Bible college graduate?

And what about that college, seminary, or institution of learning? Is it left of center, liberal, conservative, become politically correct, denominational? Do all the class professors and teachers share the same ideology?

So, the question is: If I can quote and document numerous scholars’, filled with the Holy Spirit, with initials after their names, theology school graduates, showing you view is incorrect. Why does one still adamantly hold to their own personal views?

There has to be a correct interpretation and a wrong one.

 

I've taught myself many things - how to play the guitar and piano, how to speak German, how to understand Biblical Hebrew and Greek. I've also taught myself a lot of theology. 

But I don't consider myself to be as good at any of these things as someone who's been taught properly by a good teacher. 

Of course, the all-important word in that sentence is "good" teacher. There are good Bible colleges and bad ones, but I would say that going to a good one is almost certainly better than trying to teach yourself theology without any guidance or mentoring. A lot of the material that you can find online is actually rubbish! A good teacher/college will expose you to various points of view and teach you to study them critically so that you can come to your own intelligent conclusions. In a good college, the teachers will have differences of opinion on many Biblical issues. It's not necessarily the case that only one interpretation is correct, because on many subjects the Bible is actually ambiguous. And I think that God intended it that way.

So, to answer your questions:

"Is that home school person less knowledgeable in theology than a Bible college graduate?" Probably, yes.

"Why does one still adamantly hold to their own personal views?" Because they may well have good reasons for doing so - and they know that even highly knowledgeable scholars are not infallible.

[Alive]

Dennis---my response to this, at least in part, is something I have mentioned more than once on this forum.

About 46 0r 47 years ago, I started to study the bible voraciously, read many books--witnessed and preached in parks and street corners. A couple years of that and then the LOrd led me to a local church building, where eventually was chosen for ministry, studied and became a pastor. This while still in my 20's. I was exposed to all kinds of teaching, as I fellowshipped with all kinds of people from all over and experienced many things that many have not. THere were times when I walked down some whacked out roads in the authoritarian movement and some end time notions of 'bringing in' the Kingdom. Some wonderful God loving folks, who were misled.

Later I spent many years in a home church environment--sometimes wonderful and at times darn messy. Such is the way on this earth.

THe Lord was gracious, in letting me see the Truth of things and discerning spirits. I say this, to illustrate how I have been exposed to a great deal--up close. I won't get into it now, but I am convinced the Lord took me through such a long and strange journey for reasons of His own--and others.

Anyway--to the point. Some years back--maybe 15 years ago now. I asked myself a simple question and pondered it for a while.

What did I believe and how did I come to believe it and what was vital? The list that emerged was rather short.

At the center of this is the simple Gospel as God has revealed to me. The Cross, the Resurrection and the Ascension of Jesus Christ.

I have lots of things in my head dancing around, but it is only those things that I believe that I am enabled to speak with authority on...and I do. Most of the rest, I couch in terms of 'I think, or IMO' and such as this.

Having said all of that, I am convinced that the Lord has given us all a body of teaching provided through many who have gone on before us--and that there is a measure of safety there. Westminister and so on.

One of the things that has been learned is to recognize a 'loose cannon', who stand apart on his/her own, thinking they have 'special' revelation, etc. There is both the flesh and a spirit behind that and when an individual has encountered it, it is easily recognized.

This is the Grace and Mercy of our Lord.

No one of us can stand alone---each member of the Body needs the others. This is fundamental and vital for Life to flow.

THe members looking to the Head. Much of what we have been handed in the scriptural record is applicable in the context of a 'local expression' of Christ--to be experienced. To experience the flow of Life from Christ to the Body and from member to member as He wills. It can be messy--but Christ is Lord--even when our doctrine is off. He is not offended, when we don't have everything right.

He looks on the heart and does His work in us.

THe large world, has become small. The internet is both a blessing and a mess and resolving differences is not the same as sitting in a room together....and yet our Lord is with us and prevails.

Well--it seems I have rambled some. So be it.

[Hopefully]

So, the question is: If I can quote and document numerous scholars’, filled with the Holy Spirit, with initials after their names, theology school graduates, showing you view is incorrect. Why does one still adamantly hold to their own personal views?

Hi Dennis,

““I will send you the Helper from the Father. The Helper is the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father. When he comes, he will tell about me.”
‭‭John‬ ‭15:26‬ ‭

““When the Helper comes, he will show the people of the world how wrong they are about sin, about being right with God, and about judgment. He will prove that they are guilty of sin, because they don’t believe in me. But when the Spirit of truth comes, he will lead you into all truth. He will not speak his own words. He will speak only what he hears and will tell you what will happen in the future. The Spirit of truth will bring glory to me by telling you what he receives from me. All that the Father has is mine. That is why I said that the Spirit will tell you what he receives from me.”
‭‭John‬ ‭16:8-9, 13-15‬ ‭

“Then we will no longer be like babies. We will not be people who are always changing like a ship that the waves carry one way and then another. We will not be influenced by every new teaching we hear from people who are trying to deceive us—those who make clever plans and use every kind of trick to fool others into following the wrong way.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:14‬ ‭

I believe I have been listening to the helper and this is what helps me with all the different things I see on here. I have also read posts that agree with the helper. 

 

[LearningToLetGo]

14 hours ago, Dennis1209 said:

There has to be a correct interpretation and a wrong one.

Does there? Perhaps it's not as simple as either yes or no.

[BibleStudent100]

22 hours ago, Dennis1209 said:

We all read the same Bible. There sure are some hardcore divergences of opinion in theology and prophecy here on Worthy, and everywhere else for that matter. Where and how did we form our theology and hermeneutics, and is ours the correct one, how do we know and why?

Thank you Dennis for writing so articulately and passionately about the challenges involved in searching for the Truth from the only “blueprints” for life that matter:  the Holy Scriptures.

Indeed, the Truth DOES exist and the individual must seek it out.  Jesus believed that Truth was more important than building bridges among people of various backgrounds.  For example, the religious leaders of the sects of the Pharisees and the Sadducees viciously opposed Jesus—even sought to kill him. How did he react? Jesus instructed his disciples: “Let them be. Blind guides is what they are.” (Matthew 15:14) Jesus refused to acknowledge spiritual brotherhood with such individuals

Some time later, a Christian congregation was formed in Corinth, Greece—a city renowned for its pluralistic, multi-religious culture. How were the Christians there to act in that environment? The apostle Paul wrote them: “Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers.” Why not? Paul reasoned: “What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer share in common with an unbeliever?” Then he gave this counsel: “Therefore, get out from among them, and separate yourselves.”—2 Corinthians 6:14, 15, 17.  Clearly, the Bible speaks against the practice of interfaith.

May you find comfort, solace and most importantly, may you find the True Way of believing!

[Dennis1209]

8 hours ago, LearningToLetGo said:

Does there? Perhaps it's not as simple as either yes or no.

Perhaps. I remember my wife being a little bit pregnant. 

Maybe not as simple as: left-right, salt-pepper; up-down; north-south; white-black; right-wrong; positive-negative; male-female; spiritual-physical; evolution-creation; saved-unsaved; etc. 

Maybe there are gray areas? I guess it's all how one looks at it?

Edited February 6, 2022 by Dennis1209

[Dennis1209]

47 minutes ago, BibleStudent100 said:

Thank you Dennis for writing so articulately and passionately about the challenges involved in searching for the Truth from the only “blueprints” for life that matter:  the Holy Scriptures.

Indeed, the Truth DOES exist and the individual must seek it out.  Jesus believed that Truth was more important than building bridges among people of various backgrounds.  For example, the religious leaders of the sects of the Pharisees and the Sadducees viciously opposed Jesus—even sought to kill him. How did he react? Jesus instructed his disciples: “Let them be. Blind guides is what they are.” (Matthew 15:14) Jesus refused to acknowledge spiritual brotherhood with such individuals

Some time later, a Christian congregation was formed in Corinth, Greece—a city renowned for its pluralistic, multi-religious culture. How were the Christians there to act in that environment? The apostle Paul wrote them: “Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers.” Why not? Paul reasoned: “What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer share in common with an unbeliever?” Then he gave this counsel: “Therefore, get out from among them, and separate yourselves.”—2 Corinthians 6:14, 15, 17.  Clearly, the Bible speaks against the practice of interfaith.

May you find comfort, solace and most importantly, may you find the True Way of believing!

Well said!

You brought up a point I have been emphasizing here lately, pertaining to the book of Revelation and the end-times. The revival of the interfaith movement, a.k.a. ecumenicalism. 

Revelation 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

Are we seeing a global religious leader working tirelessly promoting the ecumenical movement? Someone who looks like and lamb, and is speaking like a dragon? It is my opinion, the above verse is speaking of one of the two Mystery Babylon's, the spiritual Mystery Babylon. 

As I have previously opined, this mystery system (religion) started in Babylon, and filtered down through the kingdoms and ages to the present day. The other Mystery Babylon, I believe, is the commercial side (spiritual-commercial).

I believe here John is talking about a harlot religious system. There are some true born-again people still in this religious system (my people). If you continue to attend and stay in this one world religious system, you too will receive the punishment coming that will plague her. 

Once again, only my thoughts... No doubt I'll get admonished and corrected by the expert theologians out there, but they need to remember, I have initials after my name; Sr.  

Edited February 6, 2022 by Dennis1209

[Dennis1209]

If anyone is interested. I have written a verse-by-verse eBook on Revelation titled "Apocalypse." It is not for sale or commercial production, it's free for asking and sharing. If interested, PM me with an email address to send to, I have it in PDF format.

I am but a layman Bible student, I have no special insight, my qualifications are the letters after my name, "Sr." I mention why I decided to write my first book at 70 years old. I heavily lean on and quote reputable scholar's and Bible teachers (thus, a reason for my questions on this thread). 

This is not a promotion, about self, or for any gain whatsoever. It is one person's interpretation and thoughts of when and how the book of Revelation is unveiling itself today, with the accompanying signs of the nearness of the Tribulation.

 

[missmuffet]

On 2/5/2022 at 6:55 AM, Dennis1209 said:

I feel uniquely qualified to ask the following questions; because I have letters after my name, officially they are “Sr.” 😊 I know it’s only two letters, but I’ll get to that.

We all read the same Bible. There sure are some hardcore divergences of opinion in theology and prophecy here on Worthy, and everywhere else for that matter. Where and how did we form our theology and hermeneutics, and is ours the correct one, how do we know and why?

True born-again believers, with opposite views of anything other than the way to Salvation and the core tenants of the faith, does that make either, or, any less Christian?

On many scriptural issues throughout the centuries, scholars and biblical experts have 180 degrees opposite views, and theology. Can there be more than one correct interpretation reading the same thing? Who and what is a scholar?

SC̵HOL´AR, n. [Low L. scholaris, from schola, a school; Gr. σχολη, leisure, a school; Fr. ecolier; D. schoolier; G. schüler; Dan. skolelœrd. The Danish word signifies school-learned. See School.]

 1. One who learns of a teacher; one who is under the tuition of a preceptor; a pupil; a disciple; hence, any member of a college, academy or school; applicable to the learner of any art, science or branch of literature.

 2. A man of letters.

Noah Webster, in Noah Webster’s First Edition of An American Dictionary of the English Language. (Anaheim, CA: Foundation for American Christian Education, 2006).

What if a person is self-taught or homeschooled, spending as much or more time studying the same materials-resources not being mentored, and in our day, more materials and resources are available with a click of a mouse? Is that home school person less knowledgeable in theology than a Bible college graduate?

And what about that college, seminary, or institution of learning? Is it left of center, liberal, conservative, become politically correct, denominational? Do all the class professors and teachers share the same ideology?

So, the question is: If I can quote and document numerous scholars’, filled with the Holy Spirit, with initials after their names, theology school graduates, showing you view is incorrect. Why does one still adamantly hold to their own personal views?

There has to be a correct interpretation and a wrong one.

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Too many questions. The only way that the Holy Bible should be read is literally. That is what God intended. A person should not take the Words of the Bible and give those Words their own meaning so it means what they want it to mean. It is manipulating the Holy Words of the Bible and can allow people to stumble and fall in their faith.