Interpretations differ

Ann Hatley brought to our attention dueling interpretations of the Bible regarding homosexuality. She affirms everyone is entitled to their own interpretations of scripture. This strong sense of entitlement allowing freedom of interpretation runs deep in the land of the free. America’s landscape is dotted with diverse “worship houses” standing as shrines to idiosyncratic interpretations, and some of these are breathtakingly bizarre.

In our religious culture, everyone feels entitled to their own personalized interpretive methodologies. Consequently, biblical “truth claims” become meaningless and easy to smack down. When a “truth claim” is presented, simply slap down the trump card which reads, “That’s just your interpretation.” Game over. So, in a land of a thousand interpretations, how can the Bible inform any issue, including homosexuality?

In a relativistic culture, one might feel entitled to interpret the Bible, or anything else, in any way one chooses. However, any interpretation that doesn’t align with the author’s intent is a deviant misrepresentation, a misinterpretation. Also, no one is free to choose the consequences of their interpretations or choices. For example, one can interpret a freeway sign that reads, “Wrong way/Do not enter” in several ways. However, each interpretation has its own inescapable outcome, some potentially dire.

Watershed choices have been made in this generation regarding acceptable behaviors. What was once unthinkable is now normative. Repercussions, whether good or bad, will inevitably follow—a stark, stubborn, often inconvenient truth in a posttruth world. Ready for what’s coming? JOHN LITTLEJOHN

Siloam Springs