Does our interpretation of doctrine determine the meaning of scripture or our understanding of scripture build our concept of the doctrines and meaning therein?
Under no circumstances would I continue to submit to the authority of a church whose leadership expouses what is clearly a false doctrine. There are those around us who may have different concepts of what certain doctrines mean. How I would approach that is to study the Scripture; and make any argument or "burning of bridges" be based on what CAN be understood. What is most important is that THE truth is present; i.e. the Holy Spirit is leading people to true repentance. Sometimes error can proceed from simply not considering scripture. It is also true; of course that even those in cults may have better knowledge of scripture than we do just to prove their point that they are the "chosen ones" or elite.
Therefore; it is the intention of the use of scriptures which is to be a major factor. Are we trying to indoctrinate people as a cult leader; or control freak by using guilt or shame to put fear in people rather than the true fear of God? Who is being exalted?
We also have to look at Bible translations; and I am willing to state that indeed it appears KJV is the best translation or one of the best most common translations to date; although once again I should point out the Tyndale and Geneva Bible came beforehand (the Geneva is something I have been borrowing in my small group studies of late and I can say it is sufficiently close to KJV). There are crucial places where the "I am" appear to be missing; for instance in other translations.
In looking to persoanal applications this is a tricky business. Indeed we have to relate things in our human brains to what we have seen in our own experiences in some ways; on a human level to understand the Word; ultimately the Spirit will illuminate the minds of the truly regenerate.
Does our interpretation of doctrine determine the meaning of scripture or our understanding of scripture build our concept of the doctrines and meaning therein?
Under no circumstances would I continue to submit to the authority of a church whose leadership expouses what is clearly a false doctrine. There are those around us who may have different concepts of what certain doctrines mean. How I would approach that is to study the Scripture; and make any argument or "burning of bridges" be based on what CAN be understood. What is most important is that THE truth is present; i.e. the Holy Spirit is leading people to true repentance. Sometimes error can proceed from simply not considering scripture. It is also true; of course that even those in cults may have better knowledge of scripture than we do just to prove their point that they are the "chosen ones" or elite.
Therefore; it is the intention of the use of scriptures which is to be a major factor. Are we trying to indoctrinate people as a cult leader; or control freak by using guilt or shame to put fear in people rather than the true fear of God? Who is being exalted?
We also have to look at Bible translations; and I am willing to state that indeed it appears KJV is the best translation or one of the best most common translations to date; although once again I should point out the Tyndale and Geneva Bible came beforehand (the Geneva is something I have been borrowing in my small group studies of late and I can say it is sufficiently close to KJV). There are crucial places where the "I am" appear to be missing; for instance in other translations.
In looking to persoanal applications this is a tricky business. Indeed we have to relate things in our human brains to what we have seen in our own experiences in some ways; on a human level to understand the Word; ultimately the Spirit will illuminate the minds of the truly regenerate.
More to come; Lord willing.
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