{"id":1420,"date":"2026-01-27T14:11:42","date_gmt":"2026-01-27T14:11:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rainbowchristianhub.org\/?post_type=ufaq&#038;p=1420"},"modified":"2026-04-30T12:20:50","modified_gmt":"2026-04-30T12:20:50","slug":"who-gets-to-decide-how-the-bible-is-interpreted-read-more","status":"publish","type":"ufaq","link":"https:\/\/rainbowchristianhub.org\/index.php\/ufaq\/who-gets-to-decide-how-the-bible-is-interpreted-read-more\/","title":{"rendered":"Who gets to decide how the Bible is interpreted? Read More"},"content":{"rendered":"<div  class=\"ewd-ufaq-faq-list ewd-ufaq-page-type-distinct ewd-ufaq-category-tabs- ewd-ufaq-faq-category-title-accordion\" id='ewd-ufaq-faq-list'>\n\n\t<input type='hidden' name='show_on_load' value='' id='ewd-ufaq-show-on-load' \/>\n<input type='hidden' name='include_category' value='' id='ewd-ufaq-include-category' \/>\n<input type='hidden' name='exclude_category' value='' id='ewd-ufaq-exclude-category' \/>\n<input type='hidden' name='orderby' value='title' id='ewd-ufaq-orderby' \/>\n<input type='hidden' name='order' value='asc' id='ewd-ufaq-order' \/>\n<input type='hidden' name='post_count' value='-1' id='ewd-ufaq-post-count' \/>\n<input type='hidden' name='current_url' value='\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ufaq\/1420' id='ewd-ufaq-current-url' \/>\n\t\n\t\n\t<div class='ewd-ufaq-faqs'>\n\n\t\t<div  class=\"ewd-ufaq-faq-div ewd-ufaq-faq-column-count-one ewd-ufaq-faq-responsive-columns- ewd-ufaq-faq-display-style-default\" id='ewd-ufaq-post-1420-yiOZDIgknd' data-post_id='1420'>\n\n\t\t\n\t<div class='ewd-ufaq-faq-title '>\n\t\n\t<a class='ewd-ufaq-post-margin'  href='https:\/\/rainbowchristianhub.org\/index.php\/ufaq\/who-gets-to-decide-how-the-bible-is-interpreted-read-more\/' >\n\n\t\t<div class='ewd-ufaq-post-margin-symbol ewd-ufaq-'>\n\t\t\t<span >A<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<div class='ewd-ufaq-faq-title-text'>\n\n\t\t\t<h4>\n\t\t\t\tWho gets to decide how the Bible is interpreted? Read More\t\t\t<\/h4>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<div class='ewd-ufaq-clear'><\/div>\n\n\t<\/a>\n\t\n<\/div>\n\t<div class='ewd-ufaq-faq-excerpt'>\n\t<p>Scripture has always been interpreted within community. LGBTIQ Christians have the right to read the Bible with their lived experience taken seriously.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t<div class='ewd-ufaq-faq-body' >\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class='ewd-ufaq-post-margin ewd-ufaq-faq-post'>\n\t\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Scripture has always been interpreted within community. LGBTIQ Christians have the right to read the Bible with their lived experience taken seriously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In Depth<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Interpretation Has Never Been Neutral<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is no such thing as a completely &#8220;objective&#8221; reading of scripture. Every interpretation is shaped by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Culture<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Language<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Historical context<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Personal experience<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The community someone belongs to<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even the most confident or traditional interpretations are not untouched by human perspective. They are shaped by it. Recognizing this does not weaken faith. It makes interpretation more honest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Myth of a Single Authority<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Throughout history, different groups have claimed authority over how scripture &#8220;should&#8221; be read. At times, this has been used to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Maintain power<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Exclude certain voices<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Present one interpretation as the only valid one<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, scripture has never existed in a vacuum. It has always been read, discussed, debated, and wrestled with across communities. No single group owns interpretation. It has always been a shared, evolving process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Role of Community in Understanding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Faith has always been communal. Interpretation grows through:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Conversation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Questioning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shared reflection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Listening to different perspectives<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Community helps prevent narrow readings that ignore context or lived reality. When voices are excluded, interpretation becomes limited. When voices are included, understanding deepens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Lived Experience Matters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lived experience is not separate from faith. It is part of how people encounter and understand it. For LGBTIQ Christians, experience can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Highlight where interpretations have caused harm<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Offer insight into themes of identity, belonging, and dignity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reveal new depth in stories of exclusion and restoration<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ignoring lived experience often leads to interpretations that are disconnected from real life. Taking it seriously leads to interpretations that are more grounded, compassionate, and honest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Risk of Excluding Voices<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When certain groups are excluded from interpreting scripture, it creates imbalance. It can result in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Partial or incomplete understanding<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The reinforcement of harmful beliefs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A lack of accountability for how scripture is used<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Exclusion does not protect truth. It limits it. Truth becomes clearer when more voices are part of the conversation, especially those most affected by the outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Reading Through the Lens of Christ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Christians, interpretation is not just about the text. It is about how the text is understood through the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. This lens prioritizes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Love over fear<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mercy over judgement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Inclusion over exclusion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Restoration over harm<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When interpretations move away from these values, it is worth asking whether they still reflect the heart of the Gospel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Responsible Interpretation Looks Like<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Interpretation is not about asserting control. It is about seeking truth with humility. It involves:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Recognising your own perspective<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Being open to learning from others<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Paying attention to the impact of interpretations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Remaining grounded in love and compassion<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is not about abandoning conviction. It is about ensuring conviction is shaped by integrity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Scripture<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"> <strong>Note: These scriptures are quoted from the New International version of the bible, access an online version\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.biblestudytools.com\/niv\/\">here<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Understanding Comes Through Community<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Acts 15:6-9<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>&#8220;The apostles and elders met to consider this question\u2026 After much discussion\u2026 God\u2026 showed that he accepted them\u2026&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This moment shows that interpretation was never done in isolation. Leaders gathered, debated, listened, and responded to what they were witnessing in people&#8217;s lives. Lived experience and community discernment shaped understanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Scripture Requires Interpretation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Acts 8:30-31<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>&#8220;Do you understand what you are reading?&#8221; \u2026 &#8220;How can I,&#8221; he said, &#8220;unless someone explains it to me?&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This makes it clear that scripture is not always self-explanatory. Interpretation is expected. It happens through conversation, guidance, and shared insight rather than individual certainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wisdom Is Found in Many Voices<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Proverbs 11:14<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>&#8220;For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This reinforces that truth is not strengthened by a single voice dominating. It grows through multiple perspectives. Excluding voices weakens understanding rather than protecting it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Testing and Discernment Are Required<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1 Thessalonians 5:21<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>&#8220;Test everything. Hold on to what is good.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Interpretation is not about accepting one viewpoint without question. It involves examining, reflecting, and discerning. This requires engagement, not passive agreement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">God Shows No Favoritism<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Acts 10:34-35<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>&#8220;God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This challenges systems that elevate certain voices over others. If God does not show partiality, then interpretation that excludes particular groups stands in tension with that truth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Truth Is Known Through Love<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ephesians 4:15<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>&#8220;Speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become\u2026 mature\u2026&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Truth is not separated from love. Growth in understanding comes through relationships that are honest and compassionate. This creates space for voices to be heard rather than dismissed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In Summary<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Scripture itself reflects a pattern of shared interpretation, ongoing discernment, and the inclusion of multiple voices. You see:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Communities gathering to wrestle with difficult questions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Acknowledgement that understanding requires explanation and dialogue<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Encouragement to seek wisdom from many perspectives<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A clear rejection of favouritism and exclusion<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Interpretation has never belonged to a single authority. It has always been shaped through people engaging together, listening, questioning, and responding to what they see in real lives.<br>LGBTIQ Christians are part of that ongoing conversation. Their lived experience is not separate from faith. It is one of the ways faith is understood more deeply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Excluding those voices does not preserve truth. It limits it. When interpretation becomes more inclusive, it becomes more honest. It reflects a faith that is alive, responsive, and grounded in both truth and love.<br>This is how understanding grows. Not through control, but through community, humility, and a willingness to listen.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div id=\"respond\" class=\"comment-respond\">\n\t\t<h3 id=\"reply-title\" class=\"comment-reply-title\">Leave a Reply <small><a rel=\"nofollow\" id=\"cancel-comment-reply-link\" href=\"\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ufaq\/1420#respond\" style=\"display:none;\">Cancel reply<\/a><\/small><\/h3><form action=\"https:\/\/rainbowchristianhub.org\/wp-comments-post.php\" method=\"post\" id=\"commentform\" class=\"comment-form\"><p class=\"comment-notes\"><span id=\"email-notes\">Your email address will not be published.<\/span> <span class=\"required-field-message\">Required fields are marked <span class=\"required\">*<\/span><\/span><\/p><p class=\"comment-form-comment\"><label for=\"comment\">Comment <span class=\"required\">*<\/span><\/label> <textarea id=\"comment\" name=\"comment\" cols=\"45\" rows=\"8\" maxlength=\"65525\" required><\/textarea><\/p><p class=\"comment-form-author\"><label for=\"author\">Name <span class=\"required\">*<\/span><\/label> <input id=\"author\" name=\"author\" type=\"text\" value=\"\" size=\"30\" maxlength=\"245\" autocomplete=\"name\" required \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"comment-form-email\"><label for=\"email\">Email <span class=\"required\">*<\/span><\/label> <input id=\"email\" name=\"email\" type=\"email\" value=\"\" size=\"30\" maxlength=\"100\" aria-describedby=\"email-notes\" autocomplete=\"email\" required \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"comment-form-url\"><label for=\"url\">Website<\/label> <input id=\"url\" name=\"url\" type=\"url\" value=\"\" size=\"30\" maxlength=\"200\" autocomplete=\"url\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"comment-form-cookies-consent\"><input id=\"wp-comment-cookies-consent\" name=\"wp-comment-cookies-consent\" type=\"checkbox\" value=\"yes\" \/> <label for=\"wp-comment-cookies-consent\">Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.<\/label><\/p>\n<p class=\"form-submit\"><input name=\"submit\" type=\"submit\" id=\"submit\" class=\"submit\" value=\"Post Comment\" \/> <input type='hidden' name='comment_post_ID' value='1420' id='comment_post_ID' \/>\n<input type='hidden' name='comment_parent' id='comment_parent' value='0' \/>\n<\/p><\/form>\t<\/div><!-- #respond -->\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Scripture has always been interpreted within community. 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