Religious Cults & False Prophets~ Discussions and DebatesWhat about John 1:1? :: Correct Understanding of John 1:1"Correct Understanding of John 1:1" Yes, I would agree. When it comes to a proper assessment of how we are to understand just "who the real Jesus is," it is quite necessary to take into consideration the complete "balance of Scirptures," especially those which may have a direct bearing on such an issue. Why, even Jesus, on a number of occasions, expressed concern about whether his own disciples had the correct view of just who he was - therefore, this should also be of great importance to us as well. And yet, when attempting to do this, the following observation (written by a Trinitarian) may actually come into play, that is, when trying to determine just what "the balance of Scriptures" are actually telling us about Jesus: "Here I may observe, that, to persons uninitiated in the doctrines of Christianity, this passage [John 1:1c], and other obscure passages of the present Gospel, must have appeared unintelligible; yet by the disciples of the evangelist, already acquainted with his language on such subjects, they would be easily understood. Their previous knowledge led them to the true explanation. At the present day, the readers of Scriptures have generally imbibed certain religious notions from education before they sit down to the task; and then, unconsciously, perhaps, but very naturally, they explain every difficulty in accordance with those notions. Hence it happens that men of every persuasion find the confirmation of their peculiar opinions in the sacred volumes: for, in fact, it is not the Scripture that informs them, but they that affix their own meaning to the language of Scripture." Taken from: Lingard, John (b.?-d.?). "A New Version of The Four Gospels with Notes Critical and Explanatory, by a Catholic." (London: J. Booker, 1836), p. 330. Library of Congress Call and Card Numbers: BS2553 .L5 / 06-30318. Incidentally, Lingard's reading for John 1:1 was, "and the Word was God." Along these same lines (also from a Trinitarian), comes this: "It is no wonder if [people] can accommodate Scripture expressions to their own dreams and fancies; for when men’s fancies are so possessed with schemes and ideas of religion, whatever they look on appears of the same shape and colour wherewith their minds are already tintured….All the metaphors, and similitudes, and allegories of Scripture are easily applied to their purpose; and if any word sound like the tinkling of their own fancies, it is no less than a demonstration that that is the meaning of the Spirit of God; and every little shadow and appearance doth mightily confirm them in their preconceived opinions." Taken from: Sherlock, William (b.1641?-d.1707), D.D., Father of Bishop Sherlock, and Dean of St. Paul’s. "Discources Concerning the Knowledge of Jesus Christ." (London, England: Printed by J.M. for Walter Kettilby, 1674), chapter iii [3], section 4, p. 99. The British Library Shelfmark (Call) Number: 1578/3650. Agape, Alan. |
🌈Pride🌈 goeth before Destruction
When 🌈Pride🌈 cometh, then cometh Shame