Interpretations

First of all, let me just start with how excited I am to be a part of this class. I am interested to see what the different perspectives are that each individual brings to the discussion. Many times we just believe something because we always have, that's what our parents say, or because that's just how it is. But this class will challenge all of our current beliefs and push us forward to having knowledge of why we believe the way we do. It is encouraged that everyone decide for themselves what is right for them, but in this class we will be introduced to new perspectives and ideas that we will need to take into consideration when deciding what we believe.

In class last week we talked about context and the way we read the Bible. Each time someone reads scripture they are interpreting as they read. Every person can come away with a different message from the same exact passage. Everyone is entitled to their own interpretation but it is very important not to take things out of context of what is actually being said by the author. Many times people quote scripture to help prove a point, but it means nothing if you are taking the words out of context. Quoting something can be of great help but it can also erase all your credibility if you use it in the wrong way. Overall, the bible is only a tool that helps a understand God and His relationship to us. We should self-evaluate each time we read the scripture and make sure we are using it for the right reasons, are you using it as a tool to know God better or are you twisting it to help your view of thinking? So next time you read anything be aware of the lenses you are reading with, make sure that you are not pulling things out of context to prove a point, use it in the way that God intended it to be used in; as a tool.