Replies

"I find myself in a similar situation, where the doctrine of the traditional church is counter to the truths that I find in the Bible."

The traditional Church, which really just means that Church which has been in practice since the earliest times, does not contradict the Bible. It's people who self-interpret the Bible that contradict the Church, as it clearly states in 2 Peter 1:20, and 2 Peter 3:16.

Only the Church has the authority to interpret Scripture, as it again clearly shows in Act 8: 27-31. In this verse the highly educated eunuch from Ethiopia, and recent convert along with his Queen, was reading Scripture but did not understand its meaning. The Holy Spirit then sent Philip, (who was commissioned by the Holy Spirit to teach the gospel), to help the (very well educated) eunuch understand what he was reading. When people take up the Bible and make themselves the interpreters, all they really do is crown themselves Pope.

"..Only the Church has the authority to interpret Scripture.."

And there we would disagree. I believe as scripture shows, that when I am before God to be judged, I will be the one who will speak for my actions and that Jesus will intercede on my behalf for my failings.

There is no Church or pastor, or priest or pope in that picture. I am responsible for my actions and I will be held accountable for my failings. Therefore, I must take responsibility for my life now and that means I must know what I must do to be in God's will. No other person on the face of this planet can do that for me.

When people take up the Bible and make themselves the interpreter

My Bible is alive. It is the Word of God. Even one verse has the power to change lives. God gave me free will and told me to study his word. No man is perfect.