“We teach that every human being has the capacity and the freedom to read and interpret the Bible as she or he sees fit.”
That’s basic Baptist theology.
Once again, somebody straighten me out if I’ve got any kinks in this.
If that is “basic Baptist theology,” then the SBC would not have disfellowshipped (excommunicated) at least two entire congregations in Texas within the past decade for “interpreting the Bible as they saw fit.”
There is a difference between reading the Bible for yourself, asking the Holy Spirit to make the passages meanings perspicuous to you, and imprinting your own desired interpretation onto it. The Scriptures are unambiguous and very plain on the essential doctrines of the faith. Any departure from them is heresy.
BRAVO and well said, fwdude! You nailed the difference beautifully and hopefully put “paid” to that tired attack of many Roman Catholics here against Protestant believers that we “make up our own interpretation”.
“We teach that every human being has the capacity and the freedom to read and interpret the Bible as she or he sees fit”---is one I got off of a Baptist Church webpage, http://www.nhbcfayette.info/#!what-we-believe/c1zez; it isn't some paraphrase I made up. That's why I was sincerely inquiring about it.
Thanks to you, I now know that's not basic Baptist theology. I realize that every denomination has individuals and congregations which are dissident and which deviate from the essential beliefs. I try to avoid equating Baptist beliefs with what I read here and there from Baptist websites.
I wasn't aiming for slander, but for a more accurate understanding.