Subjective
Interpretation v/s Objective Interpretation
of
the Bible
We've
all heard arguments in academia over the interpretation of a biblical passage.
Someone says, "Your interpretation is just your view," to which
another responds, "No, it's not just my opinion. It is a fact." Some people
state that "It depends on who interprets the text, or it is
perspectival." This argument addresses one of the most fundamental
questions in biblical interpretation: Does a biblical text have
an objective meaning or truth, or does it depend on the reader's
perspective that may have multiple meanings? Unfortunately,
several scholars are surrendering to relativism's postmodern
influence, which leads us to seek a "correct interpretation" of
the Bible. Thus, it is crucial to distinguish between subjective and
objective interpretations.
What is Subjective
Interpretation?
According
to subjectivists, objective impartiality is impossible since our knowledge is
always influenced by our personal prejudices or biases. The principle of
subjectivism holds that knowledge is merely subjective and absent of any
external or objective truth. In other words, the term "subjective" (adj) means one knowledge is
influenced by personal experiences or opinions rather than external factors.
Relativism
is the philosophical foundation for subjective interpretation. According to
relativism, morality, knowledge, and truth only exist in relation to certain
individuals, groups of people, societies, and historical contexts. In other
words, there is no absolute truth. The truth varies from person to person or
from society to society. Without a doubt, this ideology is also the
foundation of postmodernism ideology. Therefore, if the truth is relative
(subjective), everyone is right in what they believe, regardless of what
the Bible says or what other people think. Greek historian Herodustus, who
lived in the fifth century BC, is credited with developing this philosophy. In
the eighteenth century, philosophers like David Hume contend that reason and
scientific inquiry cannot provide us with objective knowledge of the universe.
He also believed that as our thoughts are always influenced by our emotions,
desires, and mental categories, impartial impartiality is impossible. Immanuel
Kant, a German philosopher, also made a significant contribution to subjective
thought. According to Kant, we can never know a Ding an sich, or "a thing itself," because we can never
know objective reality as it truly is. The two philosophers further developed
relativism into romanticism which has tremendously influenced the modern thoughts.
As
a result, two truths could exist at the same time. Because our worldviews
influence how we interpret the truth, many people change the truth to suit the
circumstances. For instance, for some people believe that murder is only wrong
if you believe it is wrong. Abortion is only wrong if it violates your
conscience. Furthermore, atheists claim that there is no God, whilst Christians
claim that there is. The two assertions are then both true/correct at the same
time, according to this subjective interpretation. This calls into question
God's essence and nature, as well as the Scripture's authority and
authenticity. Additionally, the notion underlying this interpretation is
justice, harmony, and peace for all. Though it seems true, it distorted
and slain the biblical truth. Unfortunately, this subjective interpretation has
had a great influence on evangelical institutions around the world, notably in
India, where the bulk of Bible colleges is impacted by this subjective interpretation.
This interpretation is the backbone of liberal Christianity.
What is Objective Interpretation?
The idea of truth or reality, according to the philosophy of objectivity, is
unaffected by one's own emotions or opinions. It is completely unaffected by a
person's bias brought on by perception, emotion, or imagination. In other
words, it can be used to describe knowledge of objective reality. The truth is
not depending on one opinion, belief, or perspective on that subject. That
there is an unchanging truth that cannot be altered by anyone's opinion,
culture, or environment. Subjectivity is opposed to it. For instance, the fact
that the answer is 4, even if you believe that 2+2=5, remains true. Whether I
agree with it or not, Jesus is the Son of God. Rene Descartes championed this
objectivism (1596-1650).
The
foundation for objective Bible interpretation is the knowledge that every
biblical text has one absolute truth that can be determined from the
author's intention, context, grammatical analysis, and word study through original
languages. Since we are unable to discern that truth without the help of the
Holy Spirit, we must therefore seek His guidance when we interpret the
Scripture. In other words, we place God's authority above our opinions and
perspectives. Therefore, we only rely on God's revealed will. As a result, this
view promotes respect for the integrity of God's Word.
Furthermore,
there is a vital question: Is it feasible to interpret the biblical text
objectively or correctly? In Bible study, objectivity is knowing what the text
of the Bible genuinely means; having a proper interpretation of the Bible.
Today, objectivity is regarded to be a form of neutrality or an approach
to the text and to the reality that is not determined by our own opinions.
This form of objectivity, according to these thinkers, must be rejected as a
naive approach that ignores the interpreter's own perspective. Because Bible
study requires the interpreter to think, reason, believe, have an opinion, have
a worldview, and everything else. Two criticisms are that “no one can be
neutral,” and that “there is no way to determine which interpretation is right.”
There is no correct interpretation if every interpretation is the result of our
own worldviews.
Even
though everyone has their own worldview, it is possible to know exactly what
God said or the correct interpretation. Because some things in the world are
the same for all people, all the time, regardless of where or when they lived.
These are referred to as first principles. A first principle serves as the
foundation of knowledge, allowing various people with different worldviews to
connect and communicate with one another. For instance, the law of
non-contradiction is the first principle. A statement cannot be true and false
in the same sense, according to this law. Therefore, if I say, "God is
good," it cannot be both true and wrong at the same time. God is either
good or He is not. We are unable to have it both ways. This cannot be denied,
because we know that it is the first principle. The law of
non-contradiction must be used in order to refute any claims that it is false.
A statement, however, can be both true and false, just not simultaneously or in
the same sense. One example, Genesis 1:1, which says:
“In
the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”
The
law of non-contradiction applied equally to biblical authors and to modern
readers. When the Bible states that "God is good," we know that it
was true for the Bible's authors as it is for us today because of these first
principles, such as the law of non-contradiction. We have a connection to the
Bible that is unaffected by our worldviews since these fundamental truths
apply to everyone, everywhere, at all times. These fundamental ideas serve as
the foundation for truth. These first principles transcend our worldviews and
are true for everyone since that is how God created the universe, enabling us
to have an objective interpretation of the Bible that is true.
Everyone
has a different perspective, of course, but we don't believe that this makes
objective thought possible. Because to assert that there is no such thing as an
objective interpretation is to assume that this very assertion has an objective
meaning. Denial of objectivity while relying on objectivity is
self-defeating. Therefore, any assertion that denies objective
interpretation is false and self-contradictory.
How can an interpreter
really be objective in interpretation?
Anyone
who argues that no interpreter can be objective must first demonstrate
objectivity in his or her interpretation of the objectivity question. Despite
the fact that interpreters don't always succeed in conveying the text's
objective meaning, objectivity is nevertheless attainable because of the help
of God, who is the text's ultimate author and the source of its meaning.
Thus in preparation for interpretation, we must pray and meditate. Since
objectivity is possible, a correct interpretation is certainly possible
as well. The assertion that there is no correct interpretation presupposes that
the interpretation being made is the correct one. This is also false and
self-defeating.
In
conclusion, a biblical passage can only have one meaning—no more than two—but
there may be many applications and a virtually infinite amount of significance,
as R.C. Sproul asserts. Additionally, there could be numerous ways to explain the
text that has one meaning. Even though I disagree, if someone says,
"That's your interpretation," that's fine for him; my interpretation
is just as equally valid. In other words, even though our interpretations are
incompatible and conflicting, they can both be true. Whatever you like and
whatever I prefer are both true for us. Subjectivism is this. In translating a
biblical text, we cannot both be correct; if I am wrong, you will be right, and
vice versa. As a result, once we rule out the possibility of objectivity, the
very Word of God is lost. We must thus reject subjective interpretation
that leads to error and distort the Scripture.
Written and compiled by
Mr.
Kapsuanmung
Further Reading
Howe,
Thomas. Objectivity in Biblical
Interpretation. California: CreateSpace Pub., 2012/15.
Sproul,
R.C. Knowing Scripture. Downers
Grove, Ill: IVP, 1977.
Thomas,
Robert L. Evangelical Hermeneutics. Grand
Rapids, MI: Kregel Pub., 2002.
“Approaches
to Meaning,” in https://thirdmill.org/seminary/lesson.asp/vid/155
“The
Truth of God: Is it Subjective,” in https://biblicalproof.wordpress.com/2012/11/28/the- truth-of-god-is-it-subjective-or-objective/
“What
is Objectivity and Why is it Important for Bible Study,” in https://ses.edu/what-is- objectivity/
Sproul,
R.C. “Private Interpretation: Knowing Scripture,” in https://youtu.be/24LXmLg9jSY
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