Reading the Scriptures Anew--Part 2: Ramifications of Misinterpreting Scriptures
Recap, if You Need a Refresher:
In the previous post, I focused on how to interpret the scriptures. While the tips I provided are not hard-and-fast rules, they provide a helpful starting point in extracting valuable information from the scriptures.
To review, I provided two basic tools: 1) Identifying the purpose of the writer and 2) Identifying the theme of the text. Each of these tools should be viewed like tools in a mechanics toolbox. Just as a mechanic or technician uses a hammer or a screwdriver for the task at hand, the interpretative tools should be use in the same way. More importantly, some texts lend themselves better to one tool over the other. For example, tool (1) is very helpful for texts dealing with textual structure and composition.
Nevertheless, that's not to say that tool (2) is not applicable. After all, Mormon's editorial and abridgment work is done towards the end of civilization, thereby giving him a better understanding of God's interaction and workings with the Nephite nation. Mormon was able to reflect this throughout his composition, possibly arranging the existing records to create a unifying theme. In any case, the purpose of the previous post was to introduce you to possible interpretive methods.
In this post, I would like to step-back a bit and discuss the the reason why interpreting the scriptures correctly (or at least more correctly) is important.
Introduction
Before we can learn about techniques for interpreting the scripture, we first need to look at what is at stake when it comes to scripture reading. Although most of us don’t think about it, reading scriptures should be a practice that is taken with solemnity and soberness. When we engage in the practice of scripture reading, we are participating in truth seeking. Therefore, when read the scriptures, we should intend to learn truth from the Lord.
After his experience in Liberty Jail, Joseph Smith described how we connect with God. He writes,
If our scripture study consists of reading out of obligation, to spend 15 or so minutes reading to read because it is expected of us, without any intent to discover truth, it is wasted time. If we haven’t gleaned some new insight, then our scripture study is not productive and should be adjusted.
After all, to commune with God requires diligence and desire. To "lead a mind unto salvation" is not a halfhearted experience, but instead requires one to sacrifice time to learn about the things of God. Or Joseph Smith's words, it requires a searching and contemplation of the expanses of eternity. By looking up in the night sky and into the vast expanse of stars in the universe, you will get a sense of what Joseph Smith means. God's glory consists in the organizing and governing of all that your eyes can see. This is the knowledge of God. These are His mysteries. And this can't be conveyed in a bit-sized, quick 15 min reading of the scriptures. Rather, it requires time and patience, learning by precept upon precept. This is why a quick or inconsistent scripture study won't work -- it doesn't provide enough time to understand the mysteries of God.
In seeking after the knowledge of God (light and truth), we must remember that there is opposition in all things. Therefore, the knowledge of eternal truths does not come without the Adversary trying to deceive us. This is why Paul in his letter to the Thessalonians instructed them to "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." (1 Thess 5:21).
Sadly, losing light is a reality. And because our salvation is predicated upon obtaining light and truth, Satan wants to interfere and disrupt that process. As verse 39 points out, he can do this either by 1) getting us to be disobedient to the light and truth we have received or 2) getting us to adopt or believe in false traditions -- i.e., the traditions of our fathers. Either one of these results in the taking away of light and truth. And losing light means that our knowledge of God diminishes. Much like a muscle that atrophies after non-use.
Nevertheless, because the Lord is merciful and loving, he will provide us a way to acquire as much truth and light as we can. Alma explains,
The word is knowledge. It is light. We all have a portion of this by virtue of being on this earth. Some have lots, some have little. Some are adept at mining out truth, others not. But regardless of our status, like a miner, mining for gold, the Lord has provided various tools to help us extract out truth. One of these tools is the scriptures.
These are wonderful things! And each of these is helpful in gaining light and truth. However, with anything in the Gospel, where there is light there is also darkness. When used correctly, the scriptures are a wonderful tool. However, when used incorrectly, they are damaging because instead of giving us truth, they reinforce falsehoods.
As mentioned above under the Losing Light section, Satan takes away light from us by getting us to either disobey the truth we have or to adopt false traditions. While both a problematic, I would like to focus on the the second way -- adopting false traditions.
While scriptures contain truth and wisdom, they should be treated like fire. Why is that? Because fire can be both beneficial and dangerous. For instance, it can warm a home, smelt iron ore into to steel that is used for buildings and structures. But conversely it can cause massive damage. The smelted iron used to erect a building can turned into steel to create weapons used for destruction and killing. Scriptures are the same: if you used correctly, they are a precious resource in coming to know God. However, if you used incorrectly, they can lead to a loss of light (and if you think this is hyperbole, just look back in history to see the scriptures some people used to justify their attacks against others).
1. Proof-Texting
Proof-texting is the practice of using the scriptures to support what you believe instead of using them to correct understanding. This is a problem because it can reinforces our misunderstanding. This is a common practice by many people. When they read the scriptures, or even literature of any kind, they go in with a preconceived notion, interpreting from the text what they want it to say instead of what it really says. Because it is all too common, it is sometimes hard to tell if we engage in it. However, there are a few ways to tell.
When having a discussion or disagreement with someone about a theological principle, when the person presents a scripture, do you discount it with another one or do you either 1) pause to see if interpretation is correct or 2) address their verse with yours and show how they are consistent?
After all, “battling” verse against verse undermines the validity of the scriptures, as it pits the scriptures against themselves. Despite possible mistranslations in the Bible, the scriptures contain vast amounts of truths. In fact, they contain more truths than falsehoods. Therefore, when placed in a situation of discussion/disagreement, I suggest honestly considering whether the person's interpretation of the verse is true. Also consider whether it is incomplete or supersedes your knowledge.
Another way to determine whether you proof-text, ask yourself the following: when you read scriptures, do you go in with an attitude of wanting to be taught (and often corrected) or wanting to have your belief reinforced? For example, when it comes to politics, people often use news and media as resources to support their view, instead of resources to challenge it. This same attitude exists when it comes to reading scripture. Unfortunately, this mentality of wanting to be right is so ubiquitous in society that many miss out on truth.
To see this in action, let's look at an example.
Example of proof-texting
But for people committed to proof-texting, the chose to ignore other passages instead of evaluating evidences or even passages from the scripture to see if they have the wrong belief. Thus, the scriptures become a way to reinforce their view instead of challenging it. The consequence leaves them adopting an incorrect understanding about God, which limits how much they can know him, thus limiting their knowledge.
2. Interpreting from Current Cultural Context
Another dangerous practice is interpreting the scriptures from our cultural and historic viewpoint. Yet, this is not the same as likening the scriptures. To liken the scriptures to ourselves, as Nephi says, is to apply examples of righteous behavior into our own lives. He is not saying to interpret the scriptures according to our worldview. To interpret scriptures from our cultural and historic worldview means to interpret based on our cultural understanding and not the writer's. This is probably the reason why Joseph, before translating the plates, meet with and interacted with Nephite culture. By interacting with it, he had a different cultural framework by which to view and translate the plates.
When we read the scriptures, we need to try and put ourselves in the mindset or cultural context of its writers. This is not an easy thing, but it must be done. Otherwise, we end up not extracting the truths that the writers sought to teach. After all, the scriptures come from a certain time period. A time period different than ours. Therefore, what they’re writing and the language they use has a certain meaning, a meaning that is intended to convey a truth. By glossing over this, we remove the depth and power of the scriptures.
Failing to take into account the cultural and historic viewpoint happens all too often. One example was in Sunday school where a person interpreted Christ saying that he is the living water to how our body is mostly water and therefore he is part of us. Though a interesting interpretation, it’s highly unlikely that is what Christ meant. Why? Well for starters, the Jews didn’t have the understanding of biology like we do today. And since Christ is teaching them, he would't have used a reference that they didn’t understand. Instead, the reference to "living water" is tied to a cultural understanding.
I encourage you to research what it could mean.
But besides creating misinformation, the practice of interpreting the scriptures from our viewpoint. may also cause us to neglect certain scriptures entirely. For instance, many people find the Old Testament difficult to read because of how harsh God appears to be. But the problem is that they are viewing God from their understanding. We have to remember that God teaches according to our understanding. The Old Testament takes place in a violent time period. Many different civilizations fought against each other constantly. God is coming into that, and trying to teach a people, who are accustomed to that the way of life, a better one. And while the Law of Moses may seem harsh, it is actually very merciful compared to the laws of other civilizations at that time. For instance, women were treated far better in the Mosaic law than any other civilization at that time and the Mosaic law is radically progressive in they way it cares for the poor.
I encourage you to compare the Law of Moses to other Ancient Near Eastern laws and you will find that it is a beautiful law, designed to bring people to Lord, but tailored to a specific time.
Example
Having this understand of a cooperate body of rulers assisting God begins to open up the scriptures and God’s nature. It also reveals the characteristic of a prophet. He is one who has participated in God's divine council. By pondering on this and also reading other scriptures which reference the same concept, we begin to understand that God works with prophets by having them engage with him in his plans. We begin to learn more about his nature and how he works among his children on earth. We also realize what being a prophet entails.
Reading in Isolation
The last counter-productive practice is reading scripture verses in isolation. Just like only watching the middle segment of a movie will distort your full understanding, the same applies to the scriptures — confining your scripture study to verses, without seeing the bigger picture, will severely distort your understanding because it will cause you to reach erroneous conclusions. Let’s look at a common example.
Example
To do that, lets first focus on some key phrases to point us in the right direction. We tend to focus on the last phrase, "whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same." But let’s start from the beginning of the verse. In the verse, the Lord is telling us that he has spoken. At this point, a good question to ask is what has he spoken in this section? Looking at the beginning of the section we learn that the Lord is foretelling the future, that the end is nigh, and in response he is sending out his servants for the last time. He then goes on to list all the things that his servants will do and why they are sent. I encourage you to go back and study what he foretells will happen.
So, going back to verse 38, what the Lord has spoken is involving the end-times (broadly). The next thing he says is that his word shall be fulfilled. A question to ask is what does his “word” mean? The scriptures use the “word” to refer to the sayings of the Lord. So the Lord is saying that what he has spoken in the preceding verses (his word), will be fulfilled. Reading the last clause, he then explains how it will be fulfilled — by his own voice or by the voice of his servants.
Therefore, the Lord is not saying that whenever a prophet speaks he is speaking the will of the Lord, instead he is saying that what he has stated in beginning of section 1 will be brought to pass either by his voice of the voice of his servants. And this is because they will have the same will as His.
While this may seem minor, it is not. Often the incorrect interpretation of this verse is used to justify following the prophet and trusting him no matter what. This leads to passively accepting what is taught from the “pulpit” because, using this verse, we reason that what is being said is coming from God and that the prophet always speaks God's will. But as you can see, that is not what the Lord is saying. Section 1 doesn’t come close to permitting us to blindly accept what is taught. Moreover, the scriptures are clear that we are test all things, instead of accepting things blindly.
After his experience in Liberty Jail, Joseph Smith described how we connect with God. He writes,
... The things of God are of deep import; and time, and experience, and careful and ponderous and solemn thoughts can only find them out. Thy mind, O man! if thou wilt lead a soul unto salvation, must stretch as high as the utmost heavens, and search into and contemplate the darkest abyss, and the broad expanse of eternity—thou must commune with God. How much more dignified and noble are the thoughts of God, than the vain imaginings of the human heart! (Teaching of the Prophet Joseph Smith)
If our scripture study consists of reading out of obligation, to spend 15 or so minutes reading to read because it is expected of us, without any intent to discover truth, it is wasted time. If we haven’t gleaned some new insight, then our scripture study is not productive and should be adjusted.
After all, to commune with God requires diligence and desire. To "lead a mind unto salvation" is not a halfhearted experience, but instead requires one to sacrifice time to learn about the things of God. Or Joseph Smith's words, it requires a searching and contemplation of the expanses of eternity. By looking up in the night sky and into the vast expanse of stars in the universe, you will get a sense of what Joseph Smith means. God's glory consists in the organizing and governing of all that your eyes can see. This is the knowledge of God. These are His mysteries. And this can't be conveyed in a bit-sized, quick 15 min reading of the scriptures. Rather, it requires time and patience, learning by precept upon precept. This is why a quick or inconsistent scripture study won't work -- it doesn't provide enough time to understand the mysteries of God.
Losing Light
The Lord in D&C 93 taught some important truths concerning our existence.
He taught,
24 And truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come; 25 And whatsoever is more or less than this is the spirit of that wicked one who was a liar from the beginning.
...
27 And no man receiveth a fulness [of truth] unless he keepeth his commandments. 28 He that keepeth his commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things.
...
37 Light and truth forsake that evil one.
...
39 And that wicked one (Satan) cometh and taketh away light and truth, through disobedience, from the children of men, and because of the tradition of their fathers. (D&C 93: 24-39). Clarification Added.
In seeking after the knowledge of God (light and truth), we must remember that there is opposition in all things. Therefore, the knowledge of eternal truths does not come without the Adversary trying to deceive us. This is why Paul in his letter to the Thessalonians instructed them to "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." (1 Thess 5:21).
Sadly, losing light is a reality. And because our salvation is predicated upon obtaining light and truth, Satan wants to interfere and disrupt that process. As verse 39 points out, he can do this either by 1) getting us to be disobedient to the light and truth we have received or 2) getting us to adopt or believe in false traditions -- i.e., the traditions of our fathers. Either one of these results in the taking away of light and truth. And losing light means that our knowledge of God diminishes. Much like a muscle that atrophies after non-use.
Nevertheless, because the Lord is merciful and loving, he will provide us a way to acquire as much truth and light as we can. Alma explains,
... It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart [but] only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him. (Alma 12:9). Emphasis and annotations added.Based on our heed and diligence, the Lord is willing to give us light and truth (or mysteries) concerning God. This is given to use based on on the portion of the word we seek after.
The word is knowledge. It is light. We all have a portion of this by virtue of being on this earth. Some have lots, some have little. Some are adept at mining out truth, others not. But regardless of our status, like a miner, mining for gold, the Lord has provided various tools to help us extract out truth. One of these tools is the scriptures.
Power of the Scriptures
This is what the scriptures can do:
In speaking to his son, Alma the Younger explained to his son the importance of the scriptures. He explains:
8 And now, it has hitherto been wisdom in God that these things should be preserved; for behold, they have 1) enlarged the memory of this people, yea, and 2) convinced many of the error of their ways, and 3) brought them to the knowledge of their God unto the salvation of their souls.The "these things" refers to the Brass Plates Nephi obtained from Laban. Alma is telling his son that God "preserved" those plates because of their power. They have the power to 1) enlarge one's memory, 2) reveal our errors, and 3) bring us to a knowledge of God -- a knowledge that saves us.
9 Yea, I say unto you, were it not for these things that these records do contain, which are on these plates, Ammon and his brethren could not have convinced so many thousands of the Lamanites of the incorrect tradition of their fathers; yea, these records and their words brought them unto repentance; that is, they brought them to the knowledge of the Lord their God, and to rejoice in Jesus Christ their Redeemer. (Alma 37: 8-9. Emphasis and Numbering Added).
These are wonderful things! And each of these is helpful in gaining light and truth. However, with anything in the Gospel, where there is light there is also darkness. When used correctly, the scriptures are a wonderful tool. However, when used incorrectly, they are damaging because instead of giving us truth, they reinforce falsehoods.
As mentioned above under the Losing Light section, Satan takes away light from us by getting us to either disobey the truth we have or to adopt false traditions. While both a problematic, I would like to focus on the the second way -- adopting false traditions.
Defining False Traditions
Admittedly, the term false traditions is vague. This phrase is often used in the Book of Mormon to refer to the Lamanite's traditions (aka Traditions of the Fathers). And so I imagine when we hear that word, we may limit its application, thinking that it belongs to a specific group. The term, however, is more encompassing as it is applied more broadly in the scripture.
First, the term tradition can apply to both correct and false practices or systems of thought. (see 2 Thess 2:15 and 2 Thess 3:6 respectively.
Second, traditions concern a system of thought that contain a set of beliefs (see Alma 9)
Third, those set of beliefs direct our conduct towards God, and are often disseminated through religious hierarchies. (see Mark 7)
Combining all of this we come up with the following definition: false traditions of the fathers are systems of belief, often perpetuated by religious leaders/hierarchies, that falsely direct our conduct towards God.
The Consequence of Adopting False of Traditions
While we can probably intuit the consequence of adopting false traditions, our intuition may not be able to fully grasp the scope of its negative consequences. To show what I mean, here are few consequences:
- Cause a Loss of Light (D&C 93)
- Lead us to Destruction (Alma 3)
- Prevent Sanctification (D&C 74)
- Cause us to Transgress God's Commandments (Matthew 15: 3)
Because of humanity's tendency to believe what is repeated, especially by authority, false traditions serve as a seal on false beliefs. Despite being incorrect the belief is held to be true. And because of this, investigation is not made into its truthfulness. We accept what we are taught not questioning whether it's a true principle. This is important because every day we are exposed to falsehoods and truths.
But God does not except nor wants us to sift out truth on our own. He has given us the Gift of Discernment and also scriptures to aide us discerning the light from the dark. As mentioned in the previous post, scriptures are a sacred record detailing people's experiences with God. It contains vast amounts of truth and wisdom that is extremely beneficial.
But God does not except nor wants us to sift out truth on our own. He has given us the Gift of Discernment and also scriptures to aide us discerning the light from the dark. As mentioned in the previous post, scriptures are a sacred record detailing people's experiences with God. It contains vast amounts of truth and wisdom that is extremely beneficial.
Explaining the power of scriptures in teaching us knowledge, the Apostle Paul teaches:
14 But continue thou [Directed to Timothy] in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Tim 3:14-17. Emphasis and Annotation Added).
From this we learn the following about scripture:
1. Makes us wise unto salvation
2. Teaches us doctrine by a) reproving us; b) correcting us; and c) instructing us in righteousness
3. Perfects us
This is why God commands us to read the scriptures. Because it teaches us correct doctrine--if we allow it to.
Being A Member of the LDS Faith Will Not Prevent Deception
But before moving on, I need to make an important point: no matter who you are, what religion you belong to, or the truth that you think your religion has, you are not protected against deception.
This is especially true for Latter-Day Saints. I have noticed that many Latter-Day Saints don't stop to question whether the information they believe is correct. I think we assume that because we have a prophet on the earth, that means we are immune to deception. But that kind of thinking is false. In fact, because of the truth we have, we are probably more prone to adopting falsehoods than we realize. Satan, who is the enemy of truth and light, will do whatever he can do prevent from holding on to the truth we have. By claiming to be the only true church, we place a target on our back.
Furthermore, the scriptures show that even the church of God can adopt false traditions. For example, in speaking to his son Coronation, Alma corrects a false understanding that his son and others had about the resurrection. Many during Alma's time had the false belief (tradition) that the restoration of the body and spirit meant the restoring of a person to a state of good regardless of their behavior. Alma corrects this by explaining that the restoration of the body means reunification of the body and soul, not the restoring of the person to a state of happiness. (see Alma 41-42).
Another example is found in Ezekiel. Although Ezekiel is addressing the Jews, his message is still relevant today. The Jews anciently were set up to be the light of nations, just like the LDS church is today. Furthermore, God called and established both. Anciently, he called Moses. Modernly, he called Joseph Smith. And both are marked by their covenant making with God. Therefore, studying their beliefs and behavior gives an insight into how God's people can adopt false traditions. Viewed from this lens, one will realize how often it happens.
Ezekiel's (as well as the other prophets') depictions is candid about how Jews strayed. More specifically, the Lord, through Ezekiel, uses allegories and metaphors to illustrate how incorrect their traditions and beliefs were. One major example is how the Jews thought that because of their covenant with God, they would never be exiled. Of course, this was false. But nevertheless, it was a tradition they adopted which caused them to ignore Ezekiel's message.
This is especially true for Latter-Day Saints. I have noticed that many Latter-Day Saints don't stop to question whether the information they believe is correct. I think we assume that because we have a prophet on the earth, that means we are immune to deception. But that kind of thinking is false. In fact, because of the truth we have, we are probably more prone to adopting falsehoods than we realize. Satan, who is the enemy of truth and light, will do whatever he can do prevent from holding on to the truth we have. By claiming to be the only true church, we place a target on our back.
Furthermore, the scriptures show that even the church of God can adopt false traditions. For example, in speaking to his son Coronation, Alma corrects a false understanding that his son and others had about the resurrection. Many during Alma's time had the false belief (tradition) that the restoration of the body and spirit meant the restoring of a person to a state of good regardless of their behavior. Alma corrects this by explaining that the restoration of the body means reunification of the body and soul, not the restoring of the person to a state of happiness. (see Alma 41-42).
Another example is found in Ezekiel. Although Ezekiel is addressing the Jews, his message is still relevant today. The Jews anciently were set up to be the light of nations, just like the LDS church is today. Furthermore, God called and established both. Anciently, he called Moses. Modernly, he called Joseph Smith. And both are marked by their covenant making with God. Therefore, studying their beliefs and behavior gives an insight into how God's people can adopt false traditions. Viewed from this lens, one will realize how often it happens.
Ezekiel's (as well as the other prophets') depictions is candid about how Jews strayed. More specifically, the Lord, through Ezekiel, uses allegories and metaphors to illustrate how incorrect their traditions and beliefs were. One major example is how the Jews thought that because of their covenant with God, they would never be exiled. Of course, this was false. But nevertheless, it was a tradition they adopted which caused them to ignore Ezekiel's message.
Reading Practices that Cause Loss of Light
1. Proof-Texting
Proof-texting is the practice of using the scriptures to support what you believe instead of using them to correct understanding. This is a problem because it can reinforces our misunderstanding. This is a common practice by many people. When they read the scriptures, or even literature of any kind, they go in with a preconceived notion, interpreting from the text what they want it to say instead of what it really says. Because it is all too common, it is sometimes hard to tell if we engage in it. However, there are a few ways to tell.
When having a discussion or disagreement with someone about a theological principle, when the person presents a scripture, do you discount it with another one or do you either 1) pause to see if interpretation is correct or 2) address their verse with yours and show how they are consistent?
After all, “battling” verse against verse undermines the validity of the scriptures, as it pits the scriptures against themselves. Despite possible mistranslations in the Bible, the scriptures contain vast amounts of truths. In fact, they contain more truths than falsehoods. Therefore, when placed in a situation of discussion/disagreement, I suggest honestly considering whether the person's interpretation of the verse is true. Also consider whether it is incomplete or supersedes your knowledge.
Another way to determine whether you proof-text, ask yourself the following: when you read scriptures, do you go in with an attitude of wanting to be taught (and often corrected) or wanting to have your belief reinforced? For example, when it comes to politics, people often use news and media as resources to support their view, instead of resources to challenge it. This same attitude exists when it comes to reading scripture. Unfortunately, this mentality of wanting to be right is so ubiquitous in society that many miss out on truth.
To see this in action, let's look at an example.
Example of proof-texting
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord (Deut 6:4)I hear this one a lot from people who believe that God and Jesus are the same being. And while they believe that this is evidence for their belief, they ignore other passages that suggest the opposite, as well as evidence outside the scriptures. For example, In the Egyptian Hymn to Amun Re, we find the similar lines as that in Deuteronomy (...exalted, alone, without likeness). Yet we know historically that that the Egyptians believed in more than one God. By using those words of "exalted," "alone," "without likeness," the Egyptians were making claims about their god’s uniqueness. Therefore, it is possible that the Israelites were meaning the same thing.
But for people committed to proof-texting, the chose to ignore other passages instead of evaluating evidences or even passages from the scripture to see if they have the wrong belief. Thus, the scriptures become a way to reinforce their view instead of challenging it. The consequence leaves them adopting an incorrect understanding about God, which limits how much they can know him, thus limiting their knowledge.
2. Interpreting from Current Cultural Context
Another dangerous practice is interpreting the scriptures from our cultural and historic viewpoint. Yet, this is not the same as likening the scriptures. To liken the scriptures to ourselves, as Nephi says, is to apply examples of righteous behavior into our own lives. He is not saying to interpret the scriptures according to our worldview. To interpret scriptures from our cultural and historic worldview means to interpret based on our cultural understanding and not the writer's. This is probably the reason why Joseph, before translating the plates, meet with and interacted with Nephite culture. By interacting with it, he had a different cultural framework by which to view and translate the plates.
When we read the scriptures, we need to try and put ourselves in the mindset or cultural context of its writers. This is not an easy thing, but it must be done. Otherwise, we end up not extracting the truths that the writers sought to teach. After all, the scriptures come from a certain time period. A time period different than ours. Therefore, what they’re writing and the language they use has a certain meaning, a meaning that is intended to convey a truth. By glossing over this, we remove the depth and power of the scriptures.
Failing to take into account the cultural and historic viewpoint happens all too often. One example was in Sunday school where a person interpreted Christ saying that he is the living water to how our body is mostly water and therefore he is part of us. Though a interesting interpretation, it’s highly unlikely that is what Christ meant. Why? Well for starters, the Jews didn’t have the understanding of biology like we do today. And since Christ is teaching them, he would't have used a reference that they didn’t understand. Instead, the reference to "living water" is tied to a cultural understanding.
I encourage you to research what it could mean.
But besides creating misinformation, the practice of interpreting the scriptures from our viewpoint. may also cause us to neglect certain scriptures entirely. For instance, many people find the Old Testament difficult to read because of how harsh God appears to be. But the problem is that they are viewing God from their understanding. We have to remember that God teaches according to our understanding. The Old Testament takes place in a violent time period. Many different civilizations fought against each other constantly. God is coming into that, and trying to teach a people, who are accustomed to that the way of life, a better one. And while the Law of Moses may seem harsh, it is actually very merciful compared to the laws of other civilizations at that time. For instance, women were treated far better in the Mosaic law than any other civilization at that time and the Mosaic law is radically progressive in they way it cares for the poor.
I encourage you to compare the Law of Moses to other Ancient Near Eastern laws and you will find that it is a beautiful law, designed to bring people to Lord, but tailored to a specific time.
Example
Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.We read this verse and think that God only reveals his secrets to his prophets. While we read, we define the word secrets in our terminology; communicating private information. And while there may be some truth, this interpretation is very shallow. Instead, Amos is communicating something deeper. The Hebrew word translated as “secret” is sod. It/s literal definition means secret or confidential plan. However, it is often used in the scriptures to refer to God’s divine council. A council consisting of angels who work and counsel with God. Consequently what Amos really means is that God does nothing unless he reveals his council to the prophet. Thus, a prophet is one who is involved in God’s council.
Having this understand of a cooperate body of rulers assisting God begins to open up the scriptures and God’s nature. It also reveals the characteristic of a prophet. He is one who has participated in God's divine council. By pondering on this and also reading other scriptures which reference the same concept, we begin to understand that God works with prophets by having them engage with him in his plans. We begin to learn more about his nature and how he works among his children on earth. We also realize what being a prophet entails.
Reading in Isolation
The last counter-productive practice is reading scripture verses in isolation. Just like only watching the middle segment of a movie will distort your full understanding, the same applies to the scriptures — confining your scripture study to verses, without seeing the bigger picture, will severely distort your understanding because it will cause you to reach erroneous conclusions. Let’s look at a common example.
Example
38 What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same. (D&C 1:38)This verse is used by many to show that a prophet always speaks the will of the Lord. However, before we come to that conclusion, we need to look at the section as a whole.
To do that, lets first focus on some key phrases to point us in the right direction. We tend to focus on the last phrase, "whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same." But let’s start from the beginning of the verse. In the verse, the Lord is telling us that he has spoken. At this point, a good question to ask is what has he spoken in this section? Looking at the beginning of the section we learn that the Lord is foretelling the future, that the end is nigh, and in response he is sending out his servants for the last time. He then goes on to list all the things that his servants will do and why they are sent. I encourage you to go back and study what he foretells will happen.
So, going back to verse 38, what the Lord has spoken is involving the end-times (broadly). The next thing he says is that his word shall be fulfilled. A question to ask is what does his “word” mean? The scriptures use the “word” to refer to the sayings of the Lord. So the Lord is saying that what he has spoken in the preceding verses (his word), will be fulfilled. Reading the last clause, he then explains how it will be fulfilled — by his own voice or by the voice of his servants.
Therefore, the Lord is not saying that whenever a prophet speaks he is speaking the will of the Lord, instead he is saying that what he has stated in beginning of section 1 will be brought to pass either by his voice of the voice of his servants. And this is because they will have the same will as His.
While this may seem minor, it is not. Often the incorrect interpretation of this verse is used to justify following the prophet and trusting him no matter what. This leads to passively accepting what is taught from the “pulpit” because, using this verse, we reason that what is being said is coming from God and that the prophet always speaks God's will. But as you can see, that is not what the Lord is saying. Section 1 doesn’t come close to permitting us to blindly accept what is taught. Moreover, the scriptures are clear that we are test all things, instead of accepting things blindly.
Conclusion
While truth comes to us in many ways, as discussed in the previous post, scriptures are one important medium truth is disseminated. As discussed, the writer of scripture wrote them to detail his experiences with God. Because of this, we need to work our hardest at trying to uncover what the original writers sought to convey. If not, we are losing light.
Hopefully from these examples we can see why the scriptures need to be read carefully. A misreading could lead us to adopt false beliefs. And when we do so, we lose light and truth. Each of the given practices are common among us today. And as seen, while they may convenient, they can lead to a loss of light and truth. We should therefore be careful in how we approach and read the scriptures.
Hopefully from these examples we can see why the scriptures need to be read carefully. A misreading could lead us to adopt false beliefs. And when we do so, we lose light and truth. Each of the given practices are common among us today. And as seen, while they may convenient, they can lead to a loss of light and truth. We should therefore be careful in how we approach and read the scriptures.
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