Saturday, June 26, 2010

On Private Interpretation of Scripture...

"The Word" is the "final authority" many Christians will say. I did too. For years I believed that. But something happened about 5.5 years ago that first made my jaw hit the floor and then, profoundly changed and transformed my way of thinking/believing. You see, for so many in the 'evangelical/fundamentalist' sects, the "bible" is their only authority. OK. But that really poses a big problem, a real dichotomy. So I ask, "Who then interprets?" They are quick to boldly proclaim "The Holy Spirit!" Ok. Again, that's a big problem. Why? Because the Holy Spirit is not a "multi-personality entity. He isn't "Sybil." So, another question needs to be asked, "Why so many private interpretations?" And, "Why doesn't it matter to most that there are so many 'churches' teaching so many different doctrines?" The mental and spiritual gymnastics needed to avoid the obvious is absolutely baffling when one stops to really THINK about it, isn't it?

I read something recently that provoked some pondering on my part. A woman wrote a blog post and the two words that LEAPED off the monitor at me were only written twice in the entire post. It wasn't about doing this, but another subject altogether. She was writing about how she'd met a 'new friend' but what jumped out at me, was that they had "changed churches..." again. They are now in their 3rd church in the 13 years that I've known them. That's actually a good record for that many years. We were in 3 also, over a 26 year period. He [Jesus] built ONE CHURCH, and it's not the one in the theater at the Mall, that started 5 years ago with a man/woman and their 'own private interpretation' of the bible. It is the Catholic Church down the street, where He is in the Tabernacle...waiting...for you.

One Bread. One Body. One Heart. One Mind. ONE CHURCH.

You're loved. You're missed. You're needed!

COME HOME!

4 comments:

Kristen J said...

What a great way to reach-out to those who are still missing the full radiance of Our Lord's Church! Cradle Catholics like me too often take it for granted, but converts help us appreciate our Treasure all the more. (And, I love Catholics Come Home, too. :) )

Joyful Catholic said...

Hi Kristen. Thank you for your comments and kind words. Come back anytime! :)

Maryellen said...

Susan, I, too, like this post. You definitely have a gift for evangelizing.

Keep up the good work. I wish I had your gift.

God bless you.

Joyful Catholic said...

Hi Maryellen! So good to hear from you! I miss you. I do remember to pray for you and Clinton. Thank you for your comment and your sweet words. God bless you and yours. :)