How to Look at the Bible
Jonathan E. Harrison
The Bible. You might be tempted to say to yourself, ¡°But haven¡¯t we all had enough of that subject?¡± In response, it can be argued that until the goals intended to be reached by the men who were inspired through so many trials and tribulations for the people are met, this subject cannot be exhausted. Problems still exist in the world today concerning misunderstandings from the Bible that have not been solved. Therefore, a fresh approach to the Bible is strongly needed, which can clearly guide one to the ultimate Will of God to help reach that will. There are four main focuses which need to be considered and these will be explained in the following paragraphs: 1) what the Bible is, 2) its uniqueness, 3) its formation, and 4) interpretation.
What is the Bible? For those who are new or unfamiliar with many of the terms and/or facts about the Bible, this essay should help to give a brief introduction to what it actually is. Within it lays the very essence of the Messiah, God¡¯s salvation, and those God sends. Events from a long ago era foretell of a longing for this person who comes to show the way for the people, and the second part of the book shows how those things came true and foretells about another era. Basically, since this book is the book of salvation, how we accept and understand its history determines the level of life that we live.
The Bible is a unique book. What really separates it from any other book? In four different ways it stands above the rest.
This book is unique in its continuity and the sheer span of time and history that it encompasses. It is unique in its history of compilation. It was written over a 1,300-1,500-year span of time: about forty generations. More than forty authors wrote it, from every walk of life including kings, peasants, philosophers, fishermen, poets, statesmen, scholars, and many others. Also in its amazing continuity it was written in many completely different places. Inspiration was never limited to any particular place on the earth. It was also written in times of peace and in times of war. In addition, among varying moods, some wrote from the heights of joy and others wrote from the depths of sorrow and despair. It was written in three languages-Hebrew (Old Testament), Aramaic (New Testament), and also Greek (New Testament). It was written on three continents: Asia, Africa, and Europe. The subject matter includes hundreds of controversial subjects, yet the Biblical authors all spoke with great harmony and continuity from the start to its finish, which was about God¡¯s redemption of people.
Concerning circulation, it has been read by more people and published in more languages than any other book in history.
Concerning translation, it has been translated, retranslated, and paraphrased more than any other book in existence.
It has survived the test of time through both oral and written form. It survived exponentially enormous persecution and criticism. Many have tried to burn it, ban it, and outlaw it since the days of the Roman emperors to modern-day countries that are dominated by Communistic principles and beliefs. It has been refuted for over 1,800 years, and yet it¡¯s more cherished, loved, and read in this day and age than ever before. No other book has been so scrutinized. The Bible has withstood massive attacks from venomous skepticism since its beginning.
Basically, what are the components of this book? There are two general parts to the Bible itself: the Old Testament canon and the New Testament canon. Simply put, the first canon was a witness for the second canon, and the second canon testified to the first. First there is the Old Testament which is personified by the Jewish Law and describes the history of the Jewish people, whose central figure is Moses. The second part is the New Testament which is personified by the faith in one man and describes the history of the Christian people, whose central figure is Jesus. The power and authority of the Old Testament was seen through Moses through his words and his actions through the Law that he brought. The power and authority that can clearly be seen in the New Testament was seen through Jesus whom the followers called the Christ, or anointed one. Thus we can find that these two canons are actually two witnesses.
The last consideration is in its interpretation. People want to be happy and lead a life of success, and the message of the Bible teaches this through the many stories and lessons. However, the meaning is clear only to those who read it and seek to find meaning in its stories. The interpretation seems to vary with each denomination, a process that usually develops contradictions. People bring their preconceived notions to the Bible and attempt to make the Word fit their ideas. This is not the fault of the Bible, but of the persons who force it to say what they want it to say.
Truth must be true to anyone, at anytime. So, when interpreting, there are four things to consider: literary devices, times, flow, answers to itself, and its testimony to the Messiah. Literary devices like symbolism, parables, and metaphors are used all throughout its pages, which are all about people. Through figurative language, secrets and the Will of God are revealed. Therefore we have to solve the literary device to know the reality and to discern God¡¯s individual wills. The given time period in history reflects the society, history, culture, thoughts, etc. of a people. Therefore, consider its backgrounds and interpret it with the right level according to the times. Life flows like a river on a path, and along this flow, we have to consider its environments, laws, science, logic, etc. Everything in it must be reasonable and without contradictions, meaning that where there is a question there should also be an answer somewhere. All of life is created through balance. Spiritually and physically, as well as scientifically and religiously, it must agree. Last, the Bible testifies to the Messiah, who is our life. The Old Testament prophesies about the Messiah Jesus, and the New Testament prophecies about his return. The New Testament answered the Old Testament, and the age to come will be an answer to the New Testament.
Not understanding correctly what one reads can lead to misunderstandings about the intentions of what is written. Therefore, the Bible needs a new way of translation according to today¡¯s age. Today, the Bible is like pure nonsense and mythology to some intellectuals and some young people. However, all of it is useful for teaching, rebuking, and correcting. Since the Bible shows the road to this ultimate life, without knowing the real meaning, how can we reach that life? Unreasonable, blind belief can¡¯t lead us to God, as today¡¯s scientific age cries out. Truth is no different. People should look down upon it, since their understanding of it determines their level of life. So following these four basic considerations when reading the Bible such as what it actually is, its uniqueness, how it is put together, and how to actually interpret it will help you, the reader, to understand the Bible and its message more clearly.