Given my ramblings on interpretation, certainty, and the like, I was thrilled to read this paragraph in one of Scot's postings:
"Once we are dealing with something not directly addressed in the Bible, we are driven to make discernments the best that we can. I think our discernments can be confident but they must not be confused with what Scripture says directly (like “be holy”).
That means we don’t have “certainty” in this case but instead we have “discernment” anchored in faith and in the good guidance of God’s Spirit, always in the context of the community of faith. I’m nervous about doing this all alone, and the history of the Church clearly teaches us that discernment works best when we work with other Christians who share our general orientations.Discernment works in community."
I like that. It keeps the gist of what I was saying, but lays in an important factor. We can interpret, but interpretation BY OURSELVES ALONE can get us into trouble. (Now, understand, I've seen interpretation in community lead to broken families, broken churches, broken hearts. So, there's a dangerous side to that too.)
Anyway, thanks, Scot!
