OK ... for the sake of discussion, we'll leave out the Pope ... he's not on this forum anyway. Benny?? Dat you??? So, while we may be able to draw out meanings ... none of us can be absolutely certain that our meaning that we think we've drawn out is correct.
I heard Mother Angela say that none of us can understand scripture until we die
Since, as you agree, none of us on this forum can infallibly interpret Scripture, it follows that none of us will truly understand it in this life. Yes, that's sad ... it's a direct and inescapable result of The Fall.
We may not fully understand some things.. BUT the scriptures are clear to one that studies and prays and meditates on Gods word..
That appears to be a contradiction. Given that we will not fully understand some things in Scripture, and that none of us interpret infallibly, to say that the Sciptures are clear to anyone is absurd. I believe that, for the one who studies and prays, Scripture at times can seem very clear (But never perfectly so. Beware.), and at times very far from clear.
The inability to have complete understanding is not an excuse not to trust the indwelling Holy Spirit will lead us into all truth and pick up our Bibles and read
It's also not an excuse to reject the visible, universal Church which God gave us.
I think it is sad for her, because I believe that we can indeed understand 90% or more of scripture using good methods.. Scripture always interprets scripture.. so if one is a student of the word one can understand it ..one can draw out types and shadows.. what we do not see is the mysteries that belong only to God.. We do not see prophetic scriptures until they are fulfilled.. my God is not a mystery writer he wrote the word to reveal Himself and the means of salvation..
That appears to be a contradiction. Given that we will not fully understand some things in Scripture, and that none of us interpret infallibly, to say that the Sciptures are clear to anyone is absurd. I believe that, for the one who studies and prays, Scripture at times can seem very clear (But never perfectly so. Beware.), and at times very far from clear.
As I said above, God reveals Himself, He does not hide.. My experience is that the more I grow, the more I study the more He reveals to me..The scriptures are intended to be read.. they help us know God and OURSELVES . Through them we can learn how God sees us.. we are driven to our knees in repentance by His word.. We are brought to praise by his word.
It's also not an excuse to reject the visible, universal Church which God gave us.
I belong to the visible universal church which was born on Pentecost.. the church of the scriptures..not men