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Exegesis and the Thought Police

Exegesis and the Thought Police

Have you ever received a note or email with a comment that went something like this: According to Professor Smarter-than-you of the Biblical Academic Institution, your exegesis on Bible text such and such is incorrect”?

Recently, I received an email just like this and it got me thinking: What is the purpose of such a comment? Does this message express an interest in open and honest discussion, or is it meant to function as thought-policing—to freeze thinking, halt discussion, intimidate, and silence?

So, in case you ever face such a situation, I thought it might be helpful to actually understand what exegesis is. According to dictionary.com, exegesis is the “critical explanation or interpretation of a text or portion of a text, especially of the Bible.”

Well, instantly we realize that how one critically explains or interprets a particular passage of Scripture will be based upon the assumptions, biases, and presuppositions one has about the Bible. For instance, a person who believes in word inspiration, in which every word of the Bible was specifically inspired by God, will use different rules of interpretation to understand passages and come to different conclusions than a person who believes in thought inspiration, in which the ideas were inspired by God, but the words to express those ideas were chosen by the Bible writers.

The goal of exegesis is to get the most accurate understanding of the text possible, but there are several methods used by various groups:

The historical-grammatical method is one that strives to discover the biblical author’s original intended meaning in the text. Many conservative Protestant groups focus on this method.

The historical-critical method, or higher criticism, is a method that investigates the origins of ancient texts in order to understand the world behind the text, looking for local cultural applications and understanding of the day, rather than the author’s written intent.

Revealed exegesis posits that the Holy Spirit inspired the authors of the Bible to write things beyond their own understanding and thus the Bible contains deeper meanings or truths than its human authors intended or could have foreseen.

Each of these methods have their strengths and each have their weaknesses, but in my view, the biggest weakness of all is the fact that they don’t address the foundational understanding of God and His law that one accepts when they read the Bible.

If one assumes God’s law functions like human law, a system of imperial rules without inherent consequence, one that requires a rule-giver to act as a judicial magistrate and inflict punishment for disobedience, then one interprets the Bible through a legal lens—regardless of the exegetical methods he or she uses.

But, if one sees God as Creator and that His laws are the protocols upon which life is created to operate, then one understands the Bible differently—that humankind is suffering from a terminal condition of being out of harmony with God’s design for life and that God is working through Christ to fix what Adam did to this creation, rather than impose arbitrary punishment for breaking His laws.

To me, regardless of one’s favored textual method, one needs to have some basic understanding of reality—the laws upon which God created reality to operate and reject the idea that God’s law functions like human law—in order to discover what God is trying to say through every Bible passage. As long as one holds to the misunderstanding that God’s law is imperial and coercive, any of the textual methods of interpretation listed above will result in distortion to the meaning of the texts.

When I receive an email that some professor exegetes a passage of Scripture differently than I do, I realize that it doesn’t necessarily mean I am wrong, but, instead, may mean that the person is viewing the Bible through a false legal paradigm, assuming that God’s law functions like human law.

And I have found in such discussions that until we come to terms with how we each understand how God’s law actually functions, the conversation cannot move forward with any success.

So, don’t be silenced, don’t freeze, and don’t be put off when someone cites some theology professor, a research institute, or other so-called expert as their justification that you’re viewing a Bible passage all wrong. Instead, ask them for actual evidence of their viewpoint and determine what law lens they are using to process their conclusions. Then reevaluate your position with the new ideas in mind and come to your own conclusion.

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I grew up in a prominent protestant church and had what I like to call religious anxiety. I’ve always had questions about God and Salvation that no one could seem to answer.  I didn’t know how to find resolution. During 2020, at the height of my anxiety, I fell to my knees and begged God to show me truth and light and to give me the hope that I’ve been longing for. Days later, I stumbled upon your online videos and it was like a veil was lifted and EVERYTHING made sense! For the first time in my almost 39 years of life, my religious/spiritual anxiety has lessened. I feel a sense of freedom and peace I’ve NEVER had before… and it’s all because my view of God has changed. Thank you!

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I just wanted to personally thank you for your teachings and insight into scripture. I came across your website via my cousin who suggested I look into “Healing the Mind” information. My youngest daughter has been struggling over the last couple of years and it all came to a head this spring. When I started listening to the “Healing the Mind” lectures my own life began to be transformed. I began sharing with all my daughters the concepts you laid out so clearly. I ordered your book and soaked it up. I just want to say “Thank You!” My walk with the Lord has been refreshed and renewed. Your obedience to the Lord is a blessing to so many.

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Testimony 46

Over the past couple of years God has been expanding my view of Himself and His character. Along my approximately 40-year journey, I have often had questions, but was hesitant to voice these and step outside the traditionally accepted thinking, for fear of admitting that I may in fact be eternally lost. In the recesses of my thinking has been the thought – if one blindly accepts (which is widely regarded as “real faith”) and does not question, is this really ‘truth?’ I often find it challenging to grapple with very theological ‘speak,’ but Dr. Jennings has a real gift of explaining spiritual concepts with clear practical examples. The weekly discussions are growing my Christian experience and slowly changing my view of how to live as a child of God in today’s complex world. Finally the whole Old Testament sanctuary teaching moved in my mind from fantasy to reality!

Beverly S., South Africa

 

Testimony 45

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We really appreciate your views on the judgment and they make good sense considering our free choice.

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The message [of Come And Reason Ministries is] for all Christians (and those who may become Christians) and not just Adventists or any other group. It is difficult to imagine why any [anyone] with intellectual and spiritual honesty could find fault with the way you explained the healing substitution concepts and the truth about God’s character, though I know some will reject and criticize. On behalf of those in our group near Tacoma, WA, thank you and your staff for all of the hard work and for sharing the Gospel in this manner. God’s message of healing love will be carried to the whole world and then Jesus will come – He promised it.

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Your message of design law vs imperial law is so uplifting and makes so much sense- it is a game changer for me. The fact that Jesus’s death is not a big payment by an angry God is , quite frankly, a relief.

Laura G., London, Ontario, Canada

 

Testimony 58

I have been watching your videos in The Power of Love seminar and I must say these have liberated me and have improved my relationship with the Lord. I am no longer terrified of him as I was before following your teachings.

Thando N., South Africa

 

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I have been really blessed reading your response to the various questions on your site.

K.C., OH, USA

 

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I am just writing to say that I have been so blessed by the teachings of Come And Reason Minitries recently. I watched last week’s bible study lesson on Youtube and am thankful that the error in the printed lesson guide you use was pointed out and this week’s study was of equal benefit, if not more so. My understanding of God’s nature has been very confused of late and I am so grateful for clarity in this matter. I have never really fully understood previously how a good God can cause bad things to happen and now I realise that He doesn’t, it’s a natural consequence of sin. May the almighty Father and His Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, continue to bless your ministry.

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I am absolutly on fire with the message at Come and Reason! I can’t get enough! I’ve read your book, blog, and articles. I’ve listened to your Bible study podcasts, your radio show, and your series – all excellent! It wasn’t until the past couple of years that I have I like I’m becoming “healthy,” with more to share with others than just beasts and commandments! I used to be a Bible worker and preached when the pastors were gone until I had had enough. I didnt realize at the time what the problem was, but i know now… the message wasn’t properly focused. Now my flame is rekindled. All of your little examples are so perfect in explaining something “complicated” and making it easily understood! Now I’m trying to shape it into a life changing evangelistic series! Thank you!

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Testimony 37

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