A matter of interpretation

I have sometimes heard students, not around here but in the past, complain that the Bible, theology, and doctrine are inappropriate subjects of study because nobody really knows; it is all just a matter of interpretation. You have heard that one. I find that a curious comment because, is not everything a matter of interpretation? The study of history is a study of man's interpretation of the past. The study of biology is a study of man's interpretation of a biotic aspect of life. Astronomy is an interpretation of the physics of the astral bodies -- and on and on. So it is curious that this argument be applied only to Scripture and theology. In its simplest terms, let me answer the objection by saying that the Bible is meant as God's communication to man. He expects it to be read. He expects it to be understood. If we really want to say no one can understand it, I think we have passed a judgment on God's ability as communicator. Later, we will make the point that reading the Bible well, understanding it, is work; it is hard work. But it is work we are commanded to do. God is a good communicator, but we are going to have to work to hear it, not because what He's saying is vague but because we have so much gobbledygook between the Word and us. - Dr. Michael Williams