The Bible

Introduction

• Aquinas, Thomas: "Nevertheless, sacred doctrine makes use of these authorities as extrinsic and probable arguments; but properly uses the authority of the canonical Scriptures as an incontrovertible proof, and the authority of the doctors of the Church as one that may properly be used, yet merely as probable. For our faith rests upon the revelation made to the apostles and prophets who wrote the canonical books, and not on the revelations (if any such there are) made to other doctors. Hence Augustine says (Epis. ad Hieron. xix, 1): 'Only those books of Scripture which are called canonical have I learned to hold in such honor as to believe their authors have not erred in any way in writing them. But other authors I so read as not to deem everything in their works to be true, merely on account of their having so thought and written, whatever may have been their holiness and learning'" (Summa Theologica,. Part 1, Q. 1, Art. 8).

Hermeneutics: How to Interpret the Bible

A good general principle is to ask what God is trying to convey in a particular verse. It may be poetry, hyperbole, commands, specific facts, or general happenings.

Hebrew

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Sola Scriptura and Bibliolatry

• This reminded me of a Midrash a friend told me recently. I'll paraphrase.

Rabbi Eliezer is debating a matter of law with another rebbe. He's sure he's right, but the other rebbe is sure that, instead, he's right and Eliezer is wrong.

The other rabbi exclaims "If I am right, let rain pour down from the heavens."

Moments later, it starts raining.

But Rabbi Eliezer doesn't relent. He repeats: "No, I know I'm right."

The other rebbe exclaims: "No! You are wrong, and if I am right, let the earth quake and tremble to prove it so."

An earthquake happens and the ground shakes violently.

But Rabbi Eliezer doesn't relent. He repeats: "No, I know I'm right."

Frustrated, the other rebbe exclaims: "So be it! If I am right, let G-d rip the ceiling off this temple, show his face, and let it be known that I am right!"

Moments later, the almighty himself rips the roof off and informs Eliezer that his opponent is right.

Eliezer remarks: "Listen, I love everything you've done, but this isn't how the law works. This is for rebbes to decide, and I know I'm right."