I would agree that SEEKING objectivity (truth) is valid thinking. But claiming that MY and/or YOUR interpretations of scripture are totally objective (absolute) is disproved by real-time experience. Check out the internet for evidence!
Many thinkers will claim that the BIBLE is the fully inspired WORD of Yahweh God. Many claim that these WORDS are inerrant since they derive directly (objectively) from God. I would AGREE that many of the words within my various Bibles (I have four) do ring true (therefore they are inspired). But I would also conclude that it is MY subjective mindset which gives the Words subjective inspiration (real meaning).
There is NO evidence, however, that the WORDS are objective (inerrant) so that everyone will AGREE on the various interpretations of these WORDS. I have four Bibles which I read. The words vary in each translation. So I do not view these words as equivalent to GOD's viewpoint (objectively)...his verbal speaking of his words to Moses and/or Yeshua (in real-time) while they were here on this planet might be more valid than my four Bibles (words). For me, these words are subjectively 'inspired' (it is my subjective inspiration which gives the WORDS meaning).
We need to understand that we have NO original AUTOGRAPHS (manuscripts) of our scripture (New and/or Old). We have thousands of copies and each copy is unique to some degree. The direct WORDS of GOD are not available to mankind (in any language). We have merely copies of copies (of various manuscripts) and all have been reconstructed by biblical scholars (from scraps of prior writings). My sense is that many of these WORDS (called scripture) do INSPIRE many readers (subjectively). This is obvious and valid thinking. The various Bibles do give meaning to our life's experiences. But all these words need to be subjectively interpreted.
All our pundits who claim that THEIR interpretations are objective truth can not stand up in real-time experience. Translations are based upon scholarly 'interpretations'. Each religion has many groups (scholars) which differ on these 'interpretations'. This reveals that all is SUBJECTIVE at the core (even if inspired to a particular reader). My Christian denomination (during my youth) liked to claim that THEIR interpretations were objectively TRUE. But I have discovered that this CLAIM is fallacious. Each spiritual thinker will SPIN their interpretations to what they subjectively desire. We need to challenge all thinkers who attempt to CLAIM total objectivity. Experience says this is invalid!
God is actually a TRANSCENDENT being who acts invisibly to accomplish his purposes. God does not view any HUMAN BEING as fully God (equal to himself). This seems clear to me. Even a Messiah person is less than God. God works THROUGH a human being and then this human person can claim some interpretation/inspiration (which seems true). All this is SUBJECTIVE at the core, however. We have many Prophets and inspired theologians on this planet (based on human history). None, however, are totally OBJECTIVE in their interpretations. This is evident when I listen to scholars in real-time. Listen for yourself to many experts to discover their subjectivity.
Pastors interpret scripture subjectively. Scholars interpret scripture subjectively. Believers interpret scripture subjectively. The WISE thinker will read scripture and then derive his/her OWN interpretation. My suggestion is to listen to many thinkers and read more than one Bible translation. What I have discovered is that my own interpretations do CHANGE over time. I attempt to be objective even as I realize that my interpretations are really subjective. God is OBJECTIVE but this Spirit person works through different human beings and our history says that no-one can claim to be FULLY objective. Human beings see through a 'glass darkly'.
This does not mean that scripture is meaningless. It fact, scripture is more meaningful to me now that I do my own thinking. I admit that my interpretations are LESS than perfect...even as I HOLD to views firmly when I think a situation/claim is VALID. Real-time experience is what I try to live. Life is always somewhat uncertain. Experience, however, gives more certainty to any viewpoint. That is my worldview on this issue. I listened to a documentary today on the history of Christianity. The video tried to claim total objectivity. This I reject as bogus thinking!
This Spin artist is typical of many Christian pastors/pundits. He provides some valid words and then he confuses the listener with invalid/illogical thinking. But most Christians will FALL for the SPIN. He is rather convincing. Amazing! Listen to this thinkers spin (words) and see if you can discern his subjective spin. Do you agree with ALL this person presents as OBJECTIVE? If not, why not?
Think for yourself and derive your own conclusions. Have a great day! I am: donaldswenon.blogspot.com.http://kingdomecon.wordpress.com
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