And yet, your three points at the end of your article are a gross simplification of incredibly difficult concepts of which no explanation is offered. Specifically, points one and three are problematic--whether or not you can discover the author's real intent is a serious hermeneutical challenge. We do not have any existent "original" texts, but rather copies of copies that have gone under philosophical and theological revision--ancient scribes commonly altered texts in order to convey a different meaning. Really, your point can be reworded differently: to find some theological interpretation of a document written by some "author" that lines up with my own interpretive bias.

The third point is equally troubling--that scripture can interpret itself. Along the sames line, which scriptures are you talking about? You are making the assumption that it can even do this, or that it desires to do this. Authors of the Biblical text themselves are not consistent in their understanding of texts.

Can't add to it, can't take away from it. Nicely said. :) Seems like everyone on here has wonderful articles! Keep it up!


God Bless!