The Holy Spirit gave us correct hermeneutics.

[postroad]

That's the gist of what I'm getting from an individual in my conversation with him.

It sounds very scientific. By following the proper rules of interpretation the correct understanding of Scriptures should always result.

So why isn't there a consistent product if there exists a fail proof formula.

I wonder what spirits those with a perverted understanding of Christ have?

[Deleted]

"Replying to OP post 1 by postroad"

So why isn't there a consistent product if there exists a fail proof formula.

There is a consistent product in many, many places. You're just looking in the wrong places. If you only look for aberrations, you'll conclude they are the norm.

Any good seminary can give you a list of thousands of churches that line up on the interpretive principles I've mentioned.

As to why inconsistency exists, I explained that already. No one is out there policing churches in their adherence to the rules. It's a free country.

Like atheism. There's a widely accepted definition you'll find in the Dictionary of Philosophy. But many atheists feel free to redefine the term for themselves. Who polices the adherence? No one. It's a free country.

[Deleted]

"Replying to OP post 1 by postroad"

So why isn't there a consistent product if there exists a fail proof formula.

There is a consistent product in many, many places. You're just looking in the wrong places. If you only look for aberrations, you'll conclude they are the norm.

If things are as chaotic as you say, seminaries would drop the course.

Any good seminary can give you a list of thousands of churches that line up on the interpretive principles I've mentioned.

As to why inconsistency exists, I explained that already. No one is out there policing churches in their adherence to the rules. It's a free country.

Like atheism. There's a widely accepted definition you'll find in the Dictionary of Philosophy. But many atheists feel free to redefine the term for themselves. Who polices the adherence? No one. It's a free country.

[postroad]

[Replying to post 2 by mrhagerty]

Non believers aren't claiming any divine revelation or Holy Spirit. Secularism gave us the freedom you mentioned BTW.

[postroad]

[Replying to post 3 by mrhagerty]

I grew up in a conservative church family with multiple connections to the ministry. I have seen the inner workings of church politics and hierarchy and congregational disputes.

You're not going to be able to pull any concept of unity over on me. The fact that you are attempting it makes me wonder about your own integrity.

[JehovahsWitness]

The Holy Spirit gave us correct hermeneutics

That's the gist of what I'm getting from an individual in my conversation with him.

It sounds very scientific.

The bible is not a scientific manual, its a book of faith, only men and women of faith will be granted the proper understanding of it.

By following the proper rules of interpretation the correct understanding of Scriptures should always result.

• The "proper rules of interpretation" involve among other things, recognising God as the author of the bible, accepting the bible has internal harmony and truth and always favouring the reading that reflects this, and asking God in faith for the correct understanding of it.

The "proper rules of interpretation" involve accepting from the heart that God himself reveals the proper understanding of scripture to whom he choses at the moment He choses.




JW





RELATED POSTS

How can we know which biblical interpretation is correct?
http://debatingchristianity.com/forum/v ... 38#p880438

Why is the bible written in a way that is open to interpretation?
http://debatingchristianity.com/forum/v ... 82#p844682

Is the bible unduly complicated to understand?
http://debatingchristianity.com/forum/v ... 14#p940714

What metohodology should be used to understand the bible?
http://debatingchristianity.com/forum/v ... 38#p880438

How can a person find religious truth?
http://debatingchristianity.com/forum/v ... 51#p900951

Where can one find a good bible teacher?
http://debatingchristianity.com/forum/v ... 85#p940785

To learn more please go to other posts related to...

THE BIBLE , HERMENEUTICS* and ... BIBLICAL LITERALISM

* bible interpretation


NOTE All posts I write represent my personal faith based beliefs as one of Jehovah's Witnesses

[postroad]

[Replying to post 6 by JehovahsWitness]

That's what you believe for your organization. I don't think mrhaggerty is with your faith group though?

A central point of the Watchtower Society is that they exclusively represent the restored church at this time in history. Therefore other believers including mrhagerty must have incorrect hermeneutics?

Do JW's even acknowledge other groups with the term "Christianity"

I know that many are very uncharitable when describing the JW.

I am familiar with the concept that every text must conform to a central theme.

I suppose my objection is that the theme isn't really self evident in the text.

This you would indicate is because it is only Spiritualy discerned and not a truth one could determine using the rules of evidence as employed in court of law?

In court the evidence must lead while in theology the verdict does?

[JehovahsWitness]

I don't think mrhaggerty is with your faith group though?

Is there a reason I should care?

Do JW's even acknowledge other groups with the term "Christianity"

Yes we acknowledge there are hundreds of groups (and millions of individuals) that identify themselves as Christians.



JW

[JehovahsWitness]

I am familiar with the concept that every text must conform to a central theme.

I suppose my objection is that the theme isn't really self evident in the text.

I believe that when God reveals it, the theme becomes very clear but that he only ever does so for humble people of faith with a sincere desire to serve him





JW

[postroad]

[Replying to post 8 by JehovahsWitness]

doesn't matter to me if you think his position is compromised. It's actually the point.

It seems redundant to acknowledge that some other groups identify themselves as Christians. My question was if the JW acknowledged that any group outside the JW was
Christianity?

It's funny how this type of evasive language always surfaces when I'm in conversation with any of the "restored" type of believers.

If I'm conversing with an LDS, SDA, JW, or any of the more recent Church of Christ in various configurations etc I can be certain that they will attempt to deflect direct questions with sneaky word play.