Society has bought into the idea that each person can have their own truth and what is truth for one person is just as valid as any other truth someone asserts. This means that whenever something is open to a degree of individual interpretation it becomes less respected since every interpretation is equally valid. If all “truths” are equally valid, there is no single standard for truth and no reason to respect Scripture as such.
Progressing from individual conscience as your guide when Scripture is silent, to conscience is equal to Scripture, to what we have now where individual conscience superceeds Scripture, is a clear progression of decreasing respect for the Bible.
Regards
I think Pope Benedict’s expertise as a Biblical Theologian makes him the perfect Pope for this time.
I was reading Amazon’s reviews of “Jesus of Nazareth” and was struck by the number of Protestants who gave it 5 stars. Many reading the book came in looking for Catholic dogma and perceived bias.
What they found was a man who puts and emphasis on Jesus Christ and our personal relationship with Him. Benedict uses Scripture intensely throughout the book.
As Christians, it is about Jesus Christ. Jesus of Nazareth, the book is a reflection on Him, the Word of God.
If you are touched by Jesus of Nazareth, the classic movie. Read this book. It is powerful.