IF this is true, why do I need a bunch of religious folks to "interpret" it? Why would I want a religious dimmer switch or some theological filter to diffuse the pure Light of Truth? I can't imagine being dependent on some pastor/priest/theologian/religion to feed me God's Word. There's so much more joy and freedom when you WALK IN THE LIGHT!
BTW - I don't have to "think of inspired scripture" this way, I KNOW it from God's Word. The last thing I want is some theologian, who may or may not be Made Alive in Christ, trying to explain God's Truth. For the last 2,000 years, we've seen what a bloody mess religious intellectuals can make.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (AMP) - 16 Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose, and action), 17 So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.
The plan and purpose of God's Word seems pretty clear to me. Introducing the traditions or reasoning of men lands you in the religious ditch. (Matthew 15:13-14) If you can't find objective Truth in the Living Word of God, do you really think you will find it in religion? How can anyone believe that some denomination, and its collection of religious professionals, would be better equipped to reveal God's Word to a Believer than the Author Himself? Of course if you don't know the Author, you are in BIG trouble.
What the article discusses, is PRECISELY what Paul warns against.
Colossians 2:3-4 (AMP) - 3 In Him all the treasures of [divine] wisdom (comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God) and [all the riches of spiritual] knowledge and enlightenment are stored up and lie hidden. 4 I say this in order that no one may mislead and delude you by plausible and persuasive and attractive arguments and beguiling speech.
You are complete in Christ, the source of all Wisdom and Revelation knowledge, not religion. Note all the IN HIM and IN CHRIST statements in the prison epistles.
Colossians 2:6-10 (AMP) - 6 As you have therefore received Christ, [even] Jesus the Lord, [so] walk (regulate your lives and conduct yourselves) in union with and conformity to Him. 7 Have the roots [of your being] firmly and deeply planted [in Him, fixed and founded in Him], being continually built up in Him, becoming increasingly more confirmed and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and abounding and overflowing in it with thanksgiving. 8 See to it that no one carries you off as spoil or makes you yourselves captive by his so-called philosophy and intellectualism and vain deceit (idle fancies and plain nonsense), following human tradition (men's ideas of the material rather than the spiritual world), just crude notions following the rudimentary and elemental teachings of the universe and disregarding [the teachings of] Christ (the Messiah). 9 For in Him the whole fullness of Deity (the Godhead) continues to dwell in bodily form [giving complete expression of the divine nature]. 10 And you are in Him, made full and having come to fullness of life [in Christ you too are filled with the Godhead—Father, Son and Holy Spirit—and reach full spiritual stature]. And He is the Head of all rule and authority [of every angelic principality and power].
Cling to the Head of the Body, to Love Himself, He will never fail you.
I find it fascinating that articles like this seem to quote a whole lot of theologians, but rarely God's Word - His Light - His Truth.
I guess my first thought is that Jesus first entrusted himself to a young woman and then chose 12 men, all flawed human beings. He told them to go forth and teach all nations. He didn’t say, “write a book.” He chose to become man in the material world.
Any time we rely on men to tell us what the Bible says then we are in danger of putting ourselves under the authority of man rather than God.
Hard scriptures and there are many should lead us to God in prayer not to an expert. Eve already talked to an ‘expert’ on God's word and it didn't end well. Instead we should follow David's example.
Psalm 119:27-38 “Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works. My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word. Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously. I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me. I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O Lord, put me not to shame. I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart. Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight. Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way. Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.”
David was a murder an adulterer and a bloody man; yet a man after God's own heart. I think this was true because of David's love for the Lord and His Word. Psalm 119 is an excellent chapter on God's word.