How Do We Know What We Know? part 2
I do respect scholarship because without it there would be no Bible in our native languages, but I also realize the translators are just men/women, although very sincere, with biases. On any given topic that is controversial at all there are scholars with varying opinions on what that passage of scripture means. Whose opinion would you believe? Generally all sides can present convincing arguments to those of us unskilled in those areas. I know I have read one side and thought that sounds reasonable and then read a conflicting opinion and thought that sounds reasonable too.
How do I chose? I have developed a certain opinion or way of looking at God's word. There is a set of core values I have, and everything is compared to it. When I find a new writer I compare his/hers opinions on these core values. The more we agree, the further they move up the ladder of respect, and the more willing I am to listen to their views in other areas. This may appear as if I only respect those that agree with me, and in some sense this is true.
There are Christian (?) scholars that deny the deity of Jesus, or that the resurrection took place, as a result it would be very unlikely that I would respect their teachings in other areas even though they may have great credentials and many degrees. The shortcoming to this plan is these scholars may have a good insight in another area, but I feel like I just don't have the time to wade through all the bad stuff just to find a few pearls.
Do you have set of beliefs to compare others to?
How do I chose? I have developed a certain opinion or way of looking at God's word. There is a set of core values I have, and everything is compared to it. When I find a new writer I compare his/hers opinions on these core values. The more we agree, the further they move up the ladder of respect, and the more willing I am to listen to their views in other areas. This may appear as if I only respect those that agree with me, and in some sense this is true.
There are Christian (?) scholars that deny the deity of Jesus, or that the resurrection took place, as a result it would be very unlikely that I would respect their teachings in other areas even though they may have great credentials and many degrees. The shortcoming to this plan is these scholars may have a good insight in another area, but I feel like I just don't have the time to wade through all the bad stuff just to find a few pearls.
Do you have set of beliefs to compare others to?
posted by Johnny | 9:20 PM
1 Comments:
Good post and I agree.
One advantage you have is that you are in ministry. One of the key issues ministers, seminarians (if that is a word), students, and young people have with the liberal theologians is that much of what they have said is impractical. When the Jesus seminar was pushing their theology about Jesus many in ministry were speaking out. A non-risen Jesus, a non-divine Jesus has little power for those of us working with people enslaved by the dark world. I have noticed that many of the scholars conferences have involved discussions with ministry people who hold scholars to task for their theology.
One paper I remember was an overview of a session where we had theologians and scholars/ministers discussing God and violence. The paper was Is God Bipolar or Are We Just Crazy? (http://www.sbl-site.org/publications/article.aspx?articleId=466) The writer dealt heavily with practical ministry issues and had a challenge to the scholars presenting that weekend.
I guess I find that practical ministry has always been a test for scholarship's value and practicality. There will always be interpreters arguing issues. But people like you and I who are in ministry have a nice set of criteria with which to judge.
"What does this say to those in Celebrate Recovery..."
Its snowing here so I have plenty of time to write on blogs.
Great job Johnny--I enjoy this series of blogs you have.
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