Scriptural Authority and Theological Interpretation: Importance of Distinction Essay

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Scriptural authority and theological interpretation play a major role in understanding God’s word. Scriptural authority entails the degree to which Christians can consider the Mosaic Laws and dogmas within the Bible as commanding over anthropoids’ credence and behavior. Theological interpretation covers the procedure to biblical explication based on clear assumptions, queries, and concerns with the purpose of listening to God’s voice. The distinction between the Holy writ and theological presupposition should be well established to reduce human errors which might occur from Biblical interpretation. Truly, theological explanation of the ecclesiastical scriptures requires an understanding of God as the source of guidance.

The distinction between scriptural authority and the theological interpretation of the scriptures is important in discerning the flaws of human beings as interpreters of God’s instructions. Entwistle (2015) admits that the Bible is commanding, but humans are liable to mistakes in their bid to interpret the Gospel. The Consecrated Scriptures further advance this argument that the Holy writ is Godly-inspired and its understanding must come from the Sacred Spirit. John the Apostle writes in the Gospel that in the beginning, the Word was with God, and it was God Himself (King James Bible, 1769/2017, John 1:1). In addition, the Good Book talks of the scriptures as breathed by God, useful for teaching and rebuking in righteousness for the servants of God to be truly equipped for God’s good work (King James Bible, 1769/2017, 2 Timothy 3:16-17). Accordingly, the enchiridion stands out as God’s order which requires divine exposition, and, thus, the distinction between the power of the word and interpretation is central.

The separation of Holy writ authority and Christian interpretation of the Bible enables Christians to understand the truthfulness of the Gospel. Entwistle (2015) reaffirms that the Scripture is accurate in all the things It explains, and this cannot be equated to saying, It teaches truth in everything in every area. The Christian understanding of the word of God is presumably based on Biblical teachings, and that is why the Bible is regarded as the source of veracity. When Jesus is teaching his disciples, he is telling them that they shall know the truth and it will set them free (King James Bible, 1769/2017, John 3:28). In essence, the areas of Biblical teachings are covered with verity and explanations, which are wholly crucial if viewed through the clear contradistinction of the authority of the scriptures and theological explanations.

Moreover, by recognizing the dissimilitude of scriptural authority and religious interpretation, Christians are able to appreciate the impacts the former has over the latter and vice versa. Entwistle (2015) says that failing to acknowledge the distinction between canonical authority and theological explanation disparages the influence of divine elucidation on doctrinal reasoning. Christian teachings also acknowledge the importance of Holy authority by obeying God’s commandments. Jesus promises blessings to those who hear the word of God and observing it (King James Bible, 1769/2017, Luke 11:28). Furthermore, the Gospel talks about obeying God rather than man (King James Bible, 1769/2017, Acts 5:28). As evidenced, heeding to God’s commandments align Christians to the ecclesiastical understanding of the scriptures.

In conclusion, there is a distinction between scriptural authority and the theological interpretation of the Bible. This distinction is relevant to the Christian life for many reasons. The dissimilarity between canonical authority and theological explanation enables Christians to acknowledge their weaknesses as humans. The truthfulness of the Bible is also highlighted as being important, and, therefore, divine power is held in high regard. In addition, the dissimilarity of the spiritual ascendancy and theological exposition serves to elucidate the prime relationship between the two. In consequence, religious dominance and theological exegesis are interrelated and act together to sharpen the Christian view of the world.

References

Entwistle, D. (2015). Integrative approaches to psychology and Christianity: An introduction to worldview issues, philosophical foundations, and models of integration (3rd ed.). Wipf and Stock Publishers.

King James Bible. (2017). Cambridge University Press. (Original work published 1769).

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