How can a Professional Theologist know with certainty that the chosen interpretation is the correct one? Dr. Heiser points out the impossibility of perfection in Scripture interpretation; all of the obstacles he has discussed cannot be fully overcome, if for any other reason, than because we are imperfect human beings [1]. When the ten obstacles to interpretation are combined with the elements of what the interpreter is actually seeing or missing in the text, mistakes in interpretation are certain.
This inability to validate all interpretations made through the exegesis of Scripture creates a sense that the Truth of God can never be known. Certainly, many scholars in modern-day have in-depth knowledge of the copies of the original Greek and Hebrew manuscripts, are intimately familiar with the Church Fathers writings, and could quote with their eyes closed all the mistakes made by interpreters that refuse to conduct their tasks with attention to important details of exegesis.
But, those same scholars can lack the knowledge of Christ because they are not Christian. They don’t have the Holy Spirit guiding their interpretations, and their validation of God’s Truth is based solely upon man’s scholarship, bereft of the moving and illumination from God.
And let us consider the Christian religious leaders who lack in basic scholarship training, placed into their authoritative positions by denominational boards and church counsels. Those with seminary training are often biased to such a degree by denominational teachings, that interpretation is flawed by the obstacles we have previously discussed.
Yet, Professional Theologists, in the midst of disagreements between scholars and religious leader, denominational bias, and modern-day claims of errors contained within the Bible that is alleged to be merely a historical account of faith, must stand strong and disagree. It is a critical, foundational fact that the Bible is inerrant, authoritative, and inspired and Professional Theologists must stand strong on this idea of absolute truth, or there is not possible spiritual works that can survive the loss of validation. Validation in professional theology comes with the conviction that Scripture fully contains the Truth of God without error.
How do Professional Theologists claim with one breath of the inerrancy of Scripture, and with the next proclaim a mistaken Hebrew or Greek translation that is used to represent God’s Word as completely true? Scripture truth must be supported with declarations of truth that carefully represent God’s Word. See attached Bible Declaration for Becker Professional Theology Academy for a list of these Truths.
Bibliography
Heiser, Michael S. BI101 Lecture Introducing Biblical Interpretation: Contexts and Resources: LOGOS Bible Software.
Links
About the Author
Kathy L. McFarland is President and Founder of Becker Bible Ministries, Inc. and the Becker Professional Theology Academy. She is also a Becker Bible Studies Teacher and author of Guided Bible Studies for Hungry Christians. She has received her Bachelor of Science degree in Religious Studies from Liberty University, is on track for the Master of Divinity (Professional Ministries Track) degree from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary & Graduate School in 2016 and will be seeking a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Theology and Apologetics beginning in the fall of 2016. She is the originator of the newest theological movement to encourage Christian leaders to minister within the modern-day marketplace as Professional Theologists. She is also the Curriculum Developer for Becker Professional Theology Academy and a teaching faculty member. Kathy's favorite studies to teach include the connections between Old Testament exegesis, Christian Apologetics, and Bible typology and mysteries.
©2014-2015 Kathy L. McFarland. All Rights Reserved.