The issue for the writer was those who use the Bible to speak against homosexuals, calling those who speak out against the behavior, homophobes. The writer says that “every passage they cite can be interpreted or translated differently.” He went on to say that is the reason the Bible isn’t used to govern America, … Such wisdom, I do declare.

Hebrew is the language of the Old Testament and Koine Greek is that of the New. The words used had to mean something to the writers and hearers and in their day and age. The language didn’t change with the reader or hearers notions of what it should mean. The peculiarity of the Greek language found in scripture is that the Koine Greek isn’t spoken anymore, and thus isn’t subject to change as are languages that are used each and every day. It can be said the meaning of the Greek words which were used to write the scriptures is the same as if they had been etched in stone.

The writer is correct that the verses can be interpreted and translated differently to suit any doctrine that the reader wants to pursue. But to do either or both denies the truth in the message due to the meaning of the words used. The Greek words had specific meanings and to argue that they can be variously understood now is to say that the hearers of that day had no way of discerning the truth spoken to them by the apostles and others. To additionally argue that the scriptures can essentially mean anything that the reader wants is to impugn the integrity of scholars who spend lifetimes studying to find the exact meaning of the words that convey the message of Jesus Christ and the path of salvation.

It is those who wish to deny the plain meaning in order to avoid the teachings of God, which call for  the individual to change the course of his or her life, that argue the Bible can mean anything which makes one interpretation as good as another. Logically, then the teachings besides those on the sinfulness of homosexual conduct aren’t reliable either if that line of reasoning is followed to its conclusion; and that conclusion is the we can’t really know anything; and that which is written or heard isn’t believable anywhere any time.

Now back to the letter that shows so much wisdom. I can interpret the letter to mean nothing since the words the writer used are subject to interpretation and translation, or I can take it at face value. I am taking that part letter on the Bible at face value and have derived some meaning from the words the author of the letter used. One, being a student of the scriptures and the Greek language, I can assert with no doubt that the letter writer is wrong about the message of the Bible. Two, though different interpretation and translations are done, the truth is found wanting when not done to find the truth of God’s message. Three, the message contained in the writer’s words are very simple to understand. He simply doesn’t know what he is talking about and therefore his letter means nothing except to show his lack of knowledge of the foundation of the scriptures.

It never ceases to amaze me that those who know the least about the Bible attempt to tell everyone else what it means. Thus the blind leads the blind and both fall in the ditch. I wonder if the writer understands the meaning of those words.

©  03-05-2005 DEC