Unlearning Bible Reading | Dr. Randy White | July 16, 2023
As we continue to “unlearn,” we need to consider the way we read and interpret the Bible. What we have been doing causes many problems.
What We’ve Been Taught: Common Interpretative Approaches
The "SPACEPETS" method of Bible study encourages personal engagement and reflection on biblical texts. Each letter in the acronym prompts a specific question or insight to glean from the scripture. "S" stands for Sin to confess, identifying areas where one may have gone astray. "P" prompts for a Promise to claim, acknowledging God's assurances within the Bible. "A" asks for an Attitude to change, seeking personal growth and transformation. "C" calls for a Command to obey, emphasizing obedience to God's word. "E" identifies an Example to follow, drawing lessons from biblical figures. "P" points to a Prayer to pray, encouraging active communication with God. "E" suggests an Error to avoid, learning from the mistakes of others in Scripture. "T" pushes for a Truth to believe, affirming one's faith in God and His Word. Lastly, "S" seeks for Something for which to praise God, fostering a spirit of gratitude. Each component provides a comprehensive framework for a more personalized and reflective reading of the Bible.
The approach is the epitome of the problem in how we’ve been taught to study the Bible. It leads to four common errors.
A. Proof-texting: By seeking out specific elements like a Sin to confess, a Command to obey, or an Error to avoid, one might focus on isolated verses or passages to substantiate a personal conviction or action. This has the potential for misinterpretation and decontextualization, as the broader context in which these elements appear can often be overlooked.
B. Allegorical or Symbolic Interpretations: The prompt to find a Promise to claim or a Truth to believe can sometimes cause one to assign symbolic meanings to passages that were not intended to be symbolic. This approach can lead to an overstretching of meanings and a disconnect from the original intent of the passage.
C. Moralizing Interpretation: When identifying an Example to follow or an Attitude to change, there's a risk of extracting moral lessons from every biblical story, even when they may not have been intended to serve as moral instruction. This approach can sometimes distort or oversimplify the complex narratives and characters in the Bible.
D. Personalizing Interpretation: The overall focus of the "SPACEPETS" method on personal application and response – a Sin to confess, an Attitude to change, a Command to obey, or Something to praise God for – can lead to interpreting the Bible primarily as speaking directly to the reader's personal situation. This approach can also overlook the fact that much of the Bible was written to and for specific communities in specific historical contexts.
How To Read The Bible Differently
When considering how to read the Bible differently, it's crucial to keep several principles in mind.
First, only seek a spiritual meaning in a text if one is present. Avoid the temptation to impose spiritual interpretations on passages that do not require them.
Second, make sure the passage in question is truly relevant to you and your circumstances. Remember, not every biblical message is universally applicable. It's key to understand to whom the message was originally directed.
Third, remember that each passage exists within a specific context. The historical, cultural, and textual environment of a passage significantly informs its meaning.
Fourth, refrain from using later biblical revelations to interpret earlier texts. Maintain the integrity of each passage by keeping it within its own chronological revelation.
When a passage is difficult to interpret, consider the following:
· Use Scripture to define itself by looking at how the same words and concepts are used elsewhere in the Bible.
· Start with simpler, clearer passages to guide your interpretation of more complex ones.
Lastly, acknowledge the unique role and message of the Apostle Paul:
· Understand that Paul wasn't called because no other Apostle was sent to Gentiles, as seen in Matthew 28:19 and Acts 1:8.
· Recognize that his message was distinct and new. This difference is evident both in Paul's own claims and in the clear contrast between Pauline and non-Pauline passages.
By adhering to these principles, you can approach Bible reading with a fresh perspective that respects both the text and its context.
The Freedom of Rightly Dividing The Word
As I've embraced the Pauline difference and started reading the Bible in a literal context, I've gained some transformative insights.
First, I've found that the Bible has become much more accessible. By interpreting it through the lens of language and historical context, instead of relying solely on theological doctrine, I've experienced a profound sense of liberation.
Second, my relationship with God and myself has improved. Previously, I felt uncertain when promises in the Bible, which I now understand were not directed towards me, seemed unfulfilled. Was God falling short, or was it because I wasn't spiritual enough? Acknowledging the specific audiences of biblical messages has alleviated this tension.
Third, my faith has become more practical and less mystical. Instead of seeking hidden spiritual meanings, I now appreciate the clear, practical insights the Bible offers about what God has done and will do. This understanding enhances my day-to-day life and decisions.
Finally, I've been freed from the burdens and fears that weren't truly mine to carry. I've come to understand that many of the warning passages are not about me or my life. What does apply to me is rich with grace. This realization has given me a newfound freedom, allowing me to live more fully for the Lord than ever before.
