[Mrs. Don-o]

I must have made it too complicated. Please allow me to explain in simpler terms.

There are not just two choices, "defined doctrine" vs "up for grabs". This is a false dichotomy.

The third possibility is that the Scripture passage has been explained negatively, by excluding erroneous interpretations.

Simple example: Revelation 7:1 says, "After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth..." It doesn't mean that the earth is flat and has four corners.

We can tell you "angels" are literally true and that this is going to happen. We don't know, positively, when or how this will take place. There can be be different opinions on that --- it's not defined. But we can tell you what it doesn't mean.

Thus it is not totally "defined," yet it's also not totally "up for grabs," to use metmom's term.

[trisham]

Thanks, Mrs. Don-o. Your posts are always welcome, appreciated and sometimes humourous as well. :)

[Resettozero]

I must have made it too complicated. Please allow me to explain in simpler terms.

Revelation 7:1 says, "After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth..." It doesn't mean that the earth is flat and has four corners.

How are you certain that is not what John saw? How are you so certain your understanding of the words of Scripture negates that what Scripture plainly says.

Remember the admonition to not add or to take away from the words of the Book.

A Christian could prefer to believe the world is flat before accepting in any instance an RC's private interpretation that is blatantly contrary to the Word of God, including the passage you quote regarding John on Patmos. The Spirit expressly warns against this kind of private interpretation that detracts from or adds to the Book.

What else in Revelation do you not believe? What about the part about the firmament of heaven with the stars and all, being scrolled away as John looked on? Does that not fit with your understanding of the sky above you either?

[Elsie]

You can tell us four corners is a metaphor or an allegory and then can insist that drink my blood is actual and real yeah sure