RE: That’s not what you meant and you know it.
I meant EXACTLY WHAT I SAID.
RE: . But I will say this. Who told you how to interpret Scripture?
Scripture ( especially the New Testament ) was written in plain Koine Greek (common ) so that common people can read it.
AS for who teaches people how to interpret scripture, why can’t one use reason, the common tools of hermeneutics, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to learn to understand it for himself? Why do we need some group of elite people in Rome to tell us what it means when the language is plain?
As for Pat Robertson or Jim Bakker, I’m glad you mentioned them. I don’t use them as a resource for me interpreting scripture either.
And unlike you, I don’t take scriptural interpretations by others (even Catholics) with a grain of salt.
I use reason, common sense, discernment and the mind that God has given me through the help of His spirit to interpret scripture. I believe God’s spirit guides individuals who are sincere in trying to understand his Word.
Why should it matter to you who taught me scripture? I have not been throwing scripture around as though I am the last word or authority on it. We don’t even use the same Bible. Our Bible has more books than the King James version. I know I’ve opened up another can or worms, and I am not going to get into the why’s and wherefore’s of that. My point about Pat Robertson and Jim Bakker is to point out how the Bible can be interpreted to suit one’s side of a discussion, or in their case, personal gain.