Quote:
Originally Posted by ZNPaaneah
It is the height of arrogance to think that your interpretation is accurate and all others are invalid.
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I know this was perhaps not directed at me, but I still want to comment. I always think that my interpretation is accurate. It is simply how my brain works. And I think I'm not entirely alone in this regard: the subjective nature of the human psyche lends one to distort the input/output feedback; what I am saying to others and what others are saying to me.
The phenomenon of being aware of splinters in the eyes of others, while being oblivious to beams and timbers in my own, is always a revelation when it is unmasked.
An example that I have noticed is that the LSM authors (Lee, and now DCP and other organs) use words like "correct" and "adjust" and "rebuke", and even "fellowship" when characterizing communication with others, but when the shoe is on the other foot it is called "slander" and "accusation" and "attack".
My point is that we are often subjective, while thinking we are objective.
Even being aware of this, I always think that my interpretation is the "best" one available. But I try to keep in mind two things. First, my current interpretation, or understanding, is different from yesterday, or last week, or last year. And it will continue to change over time as new experiences come across my bow. So while I take my faith seriously, I don't take myself too seriously.
Second, my current interpretation is due to a long socialization process, as well as "time alone with God." This includes, for me, time in the Lee-affiliated groups, as well as with many other christians, both individual and en masse. "What do you have that you did not receive?" 1 Cor chapter 4.