“So then you believe that the Holy Spirit does not impart the correct meaning of the scriptures?”
I believe that is possible, but that we must be responsible for making reasoned judgements, based in consistent morality.
If we rely solely on the Holy Spirit clarifying meaning, then what happens to those for whom it is not doing so? Is the scripture then useless? Does God pre-determine who will receive correct guidance, and the rest be damned? Does the Holy Spirit always give perfect clarity? To everyone? How can one be sure that one’s feelings of the Holy Spirit’s guidance are valid? Won’t unscrupulous people falsely claim the Spirit’s guidance to benefit themselves?
Others on this thread criticize the brown scapula as a talisman or amulet, implying that it is a base regression to magical thinking. Well relying on an external spirit for guidance (control even) could similarly be compared with non-Christian beliefs and practices.
My argument is that we (endowed with intellects and free will) are responsible for our own actions, and the development of our own characters. Scripture has a wealth to offer in this endeavor, but it is not a simplistic or mechanistic process of either literal fundamentalism, or completely subjective revelation.
.
>> “I believe that is possible, but that we must be responsible for making reasoned judgements, based in consistent morality.” <<
.
I couldn’t generate a better definition of humanism if I tried for eternity!
That is exactly what the word of God calls idolatry.
I’ll stick with reading the word.
.