This question was raised out of our “Tough Questions” message series…”How can we interpret the Bible, specifically the non-literal passages, without a heavy influence from our personal/cultural biases?”
The question, in itself, is the beginning of the answer. Recognizing in ourselves the influence of our own personal biases, having self-awareness, realizing that we are disposed to see Scripture through a lens unique to our life-perspective, and acknowledging that our surrounding culture plays into the shaping of that lens, these are key to a truer interpretation.
We understand, who we are, begins to be formed from very early on. Parents, siblings, life circumstances (good and bad) all play into the unique perspective we hold.
In my early childhood, I was often asked if God would approve of what I was doing. That of course was only asked when the answer was “no.” This along with Sunday School images of God seated on His throne in Glory, resulted in a “mental image” of a distant and disapproving God. In retrospect, I can see how much that perspective of God played into my reading of the Bible. It led to a more legalistic interpretation and too often I missed the aspects of God’s grace and forgiveness.
I believe it takes deep reflection, and probably the work of the Holy Spirit, to help us discover and sort through these early learned biases. And for many of us, we have a lifetime of accumulated experiences that might add to an interpretive distortion. Now I don’t mean to overstate this, we are influenced not directed by these biases. We can see and we can understand, but sometimes to appreciate the full meaning we need to get past ourselves.
What might be more concerning is the influences of our cultural environment… because it is normative. The world around us creates the gauge by which we judge things. What is normal? Normal becomes, essentially, what we see around us. Factor in our instinct for peer acceptance… we are prone to buy into the general conscience and consensus.
Cultural influence plays out on a number of levels. There is generally a Western and American culture that keeps us from seeing what our Eastern Culture brothers and sisters see. There are books that explore this [ex. Misreading the Bible Through Western Eyes or Reading the Old Testament Through Jewish Eyes].
There are some aspects of regional influence (city versus country/agricultural). Some based on age, as we identify differently based on perspective at different stages of life. But more than these, as consumers of media, we expose ourselves to, what is in effect a counter-culture to our Christian beliefs. There may be too many things to example here. But the media pushes the acceptance of, and promotes, things that the Bible clearly calls sin.
Again, awareness of these influences is a first step to resolving the issue of bias. Non-literal passages generally require a greater level of effort in understanding. If it is poetry, prophecy, or parable, we are required to learn some of the rules that apply to each genre. Good commentaries (good and old commentaries) will not allow for current culture considerations in the interpretation of Scripture. Gaining a greater understanding of the ancient culture in which it was written can be helpful at times. All to say–there is some work involved.
Maybe the greatest issue of cultural influence is consumer-impatience. We expect much with little patience or effort. Consider food, what it takes to create a meal from scratch. (I have to admit I have enjoyed viewing some cooking shows where contestants are required to make everything from scratch – including condiments.) We are truly a “fast food” culture–we are accustomed to the quick and easy. The richness of Scripture requires study, and study requires time. And truly, some learning–some understanding–requires application as well.
Self-awareness, an awareness of cultural influences, a studied and patient approach are all required for us to understand and gain from our understanding as we search the Scriptures.
About the Author
Jeff Morgan
Jeff’s vision is to see the Family of God embrace and live out its Scriptural calling, especially seeing the saints equipped for service in the Body of Christ. With over 40 years in ministry, Jeff has been privileged to serve as pastor, teacher, ministry developer, and musician. Jeff and his wife Cheryl enjoy spending time with their six children and nine young grandchildren.