Ridgell's Originals

The more I listen to churches -- all types of churches -- the more I hear a common theme about church divisions, splits, and general lack of unity.  People will say churches divide over worship issues, women's roles, church organization, even how to be saved.  But I am convinced these are not the real issue.

I believe the major cause of church division is how we view Scripture.  I know we use Scripture to argue all sides of the above issue but most of the time I think it really is a matter of different views of Scripture:  rule book, general guidebook, every word inspired, written by good men but just men, inspired but only for then and there not here and now.

Well, you get the picture.  It would really be helpful if we would learn how to talk about our view of Scripture.  For example, I often hear the phrase "we just interpret that differently."  We use that phrase to explain why we believe differently on certain issues.  I get the need for God's people to use scholarship, prayer, the Holy Spirit, community of faith, church history, etc. to interpret Scripture.

But interpreting Scripture is to ask what it means for us.  It does not mean changing what Scripture says.

One example.  I Timothy where Paul says elders are to be the husband of one wife.

Interpretation:  Only married once.  Or widowed and remarried.  Or divorced and remarried.  Or widowed but not remarried.  All these are ways in which husband of one wife can be interpreted.  All versions of elders are married men.

Not Interpretation: if they are married -- or woman of one husband -- or husband of one husband.
These all fundamentally change the meaning of husband of one wife.  You may believe these positions but not because you interpret that Scripture differently.  It is because you do not believe that Scripture applies to the current situation.  You may have any number of reasons for believing that, but it is not a matter of interpretation.  No one reads husband of one wife and says "oh, that means single men, or married women, or same sex relationships.

Let's just be honest with each other about what we mean when we are talking about what God meant.

God, help us to know and understand your word.  Help us to grant each other grace and peace as we work thru what the Bible means.  But Father, I do not believe you were careless with however your Spirit inspired the writers of Scripture.  So help me, and all those who seek you, to be careful with your message to us.