How (not) to read the Bible

One of the most agonizing experiences as a priest (not the most, but one of the most) is when someone makes a point, and then uses a Scripture reference to support his position, but the Scripture has nothing to do with the point he is making. It is simply bad interpretation; they mean well, but do not know what the Scriptures are actually saying (usually because they are reading it with twentyfirst century presuppositions and do not know how people in the first century thought). It usually begins with a doctrinal statement (e.g. "I believe that Holy Communion is just a symbol" or "baptism is not necessary"), and then moves to a biblical reference to support the idea.

This occasionally happens with Catholics, but it is very (very, very, very) common with non-catholics. I am often tempted to ask them a simple question. The conversation would go something like this:

Me: Who told you to believe that?

Him: I figured it out myself.

Me: From what sources?

Him: From the Bible -- it says in the book of . . .

Me: If you figured it out yourself, why didn't you figure out the parts of the Bible that told you not to figure out the Bible that way?

There is a right way to "figure out" the Bible, yet is not used much today except by very devout Catholics. That way is: submission to the faith as it was handed on from Jesus, to the Apostles, to the Bishops who succeeded them. In fact, contrary to non-catholic opinion, the admonitions to submit the lawful leaders of the Church who stand in line of succession from the Apostles are numerous. Not just in the Scriptures, but in the early Church fathers as well (Ignatius of Antioch, Polycarp, Clement of Rome, etc.).

If one does not stand firmly in this obligatory submission, then it is doubtful that he will interpret the Scriptures correctly. He may get it right occasionally (even a broken watch is right twice a day), but that is not the same as intentional obedience. The attitude of heart that goes along with obedience and submission is one that affects a person's ability to grasp truth (i.e. rebellion leads to confusion). Only when we humbly trust the Lord to tell us what is right, and are willing to let Him show us where we are wrong, can we fully find the truth.