Bible Filtration Systems (Part 3)

Part 1 Here; Part 2 Here.

So how can we bypass our mental filters to get at what God is saying through Scripture?

1. Remember that the Bible cannot mean now what it never meant then. All meaning is context dependent. Hermeneutics the name for the art and science of interpreting Scripture. The hermeneutical process requires trying to understand what the human authors (speakers) of Scripture were saying to the original readers (hearers) in that context, that culture, that historical period. Only after grasping the context dependent meaning can we then translate (apply) the meaning to now. Good study Bibles that have material on historical background can be a great help. I also recommend Fee and Stuart's great manuals on Biblical interpretation for non-scholars - Here and here. Check out C. Michael Patton's chart on Biblical Interpretation here.

2. Read widely in other traditions, theological traditions, and historical periods. I was raised Baptist and attended a Baptist college. My adult life has been spent in charismatic circles. Yet I have benefited greatly by reading authors from Anglican, Reformed and Catholic backgrounds. They broaden my horizons, and help me see things in the Bible I had filtered out.

Yes, they also have or had filters through which their understanding of the Bible was colored, but the filters are or were different than mine or yours. They would therefore see things I do not see. I may see some things they missed. We all need each other. As C.S. Lewis said:

"Every age has its own outlook. It is specially good at seeing certain truths and specially liable to make certain mistakes. We all, therefore, need the books that will correct the characteristic mistakes of our own period. And that means the old books." God in the Dock, page 202.

3. Let the great ecumenical creeds of the church act as a boundary box around your understanding of Scripture. The Apostle's Creed and Nicene creed are especially important. If you go outside that box you are probably wrong. Here's a link to the old creeds.

4. Be always open to God confronting and correcting your sins. If every time you read the Bible it seems to be your friend, you are probably not reading very clearly. Sometimes we eat the Word and, although sweet in our mouths, it goes down sour in our throats and bellies! (Rev. 10:10)

5. Be humble; that always helps!