In the beginning ...

[Rev. AWKovacs]

"What may be the result since we have no common language is that the texts no longer have much power."  - Herb

 

"Yes, I agree with you that we should be seeking to try to understand what a passage in scripture might have been intended to say, by its author or authors. That is one task of exegesis, although it's impossible to know whether we are ever right about what the author meant to say, even when we do our best research and reading, and look at reputable thinking of the Church and churches and theologians on a text." -  Jane

 

CC:  Teachers in the Church throughout the ages, akin to Paul, recognized that for Scripture the hand that wrote did so by the immediate direction of God, even with a prophetical expression that was beyond their understanding in their time (e.g. Gen. 3:15, Is. 53).  As Paul admonishes, "all scripture is inspired by God." Notably, he did not same "some." 

    I believe that in the minds of the Reformers the texts as they used them were understood to be divinely inspired - just as did the NT authors about the Law and the Prophets - and apparently also Jesus. Also, Luther's show me by the scriptures - here I stand -sola scriptura.

    Perhaps we need to reduce the impact upon the texts of OUR hermenuetics, to lessen the influence of our ideas and, even beyond the writers, take the texts plainly for what they say, as that written by the will of God - yes, God has spoken: Thus said the Lord!  Really! 

    It is in that sense that the Decalogue is not regarded as multiple choice, but the Ten Commandments, and Paul is not smorgasbord per our individual tastes of his witness. 

AL

 

Note to Jane:  I do believe that all, even when they may not concur in your point of view, truly appreciate your diligence in your studies graciously shared with all, and even more our sister's irenic spirit!