[ottbmare]

Yes, you can read the Bible for “your own self.” But do you not think it’s just a little bit arrogant for any of us to think we are more brilliant and better at interpreting the Scriptures than the most brilliant theologians and philosophers of the past two thousand years? So many people have read the Bible for themselves and have come up with all kinds of crazy, cruel, wicked, horrible behavior as a result, so obviously reading for ourselves doesn’t necessarily lead us to the truth about God’s word. People have been reading the Scripture and inventing new denominations and new religions for centuries; they believe different things about God, so they can’t all be right. Clearly our own insights as individuals aren’t very accurate.

[PetroniusMaximus]

Many “brilliant theologians and philosophers” have also “come up with all kinds of crazy, cruel, wicked, horrible behavior”.

+++++++

“Clearly our own insights as individuals aren’t very accurate.”

This the need for the catholic “Magesterium”.

But if you can’t interpret the Bible accurately, how can you be sure you are interpreting the pronouncements of the Magesterium accurately?

Catch-22.

[Salvation]

**People have been reading the Scripture and inventing new denominations and new religions for centuries; they believe different things about God, so they can’t all be right. Clearly our own insights as individuals aren’t very accurate.**

Very wise words.

That’s why Catholics do not use YOPIOS.

[DManA]

Clearly our own insights as individuals aren’t very accurate.

But clearly the protection of the Roman Church isn’t sufficient since all matter of nonsense has and does come out of the Vatican.

[Nifster]

And yet the ‘greatest’ theologians came to conclusions based on their own reading and understanding. I will take the KJV translation as being done with utmost care and thoughtful prayer. Not all great theologians are from the church of Rome

[2nd amendment mama]

So tell me oh-wise-one....should I listen to a practicing homosexual, pedophile priest and trust in his word because someone claims that he is a "brilliant theologian" or "philosopher" or should I read the Bible and trust that God will give me the wisdom to be able to understand His word?

I think it's arrogant of you to believe that a God who is so wise wouldn't allow us to clearly understand his word that was written so long ago. You'll notice that Jesus didn't choose the sages of the day as his disciples....He chose ordinary men to spread his message - just as he does today.