Feb 12
15
“The very same Bible—which biblicists insist is perspicuous and harmonious—gives rise to divergent understandings among intelligent, sincere, committed readers about what it says about most topics of interest. Knowledge of “biblical” teachings, in short, is characterized by pervasive interpretive pluralism.” – Christian Smith, The Bible Made Impossible, Brazos Press, Kindle version location 478
“What that means in consequence is this: in a crucial sense it simply does not matter whether the Bible is everything that biblicists claim theoretically concerning its authority, infallibility, inner consistency, perspicuity, and so on, since in actual functioning the Bible produces a pluralism of interpretations.” – Christian Smith
Intelligent, sincere, committed readers of the bible have divergent understandings of what the bible says. That statement is not doubted. We must admit that Christian Smith has demonstrated its accuracy beyond question. But that does not answer the nagging question, “Why?” And, is the question important or without relevance?
Is it in the nature of the bible itself that produces pervasive interpretive pluralism or is it in the nature of the reader?
Smith illustrates the problem with these examples:
- Four people will use one map and find four different routes to the same destination.
- Four army officers will use the same binoculars and suggest four different battle strategies.
- Each member of a family will have different opinions on the proper use of a camera.
- Cooks will follow the same recipe and each will produce a dish that is distinct.
Why are there so many alternative interpretations of the bible?