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After a false start, where I entered this thread but threw it off with my own moment of silliness�

>alot of the meaning in words from the original can be lost in translations,
>and this can be as dangerous as individual interpretation of scriptures.

Let me try to answer this, from my own perspective, in two ways.

First�
Being one who has studied the ancient texts, translations, and early interpretations that can be trusted - I do not find the text of scriptures to stand by itself. Nor do I think that everyone is equipped to study scriptures in depth.

There are, indeed, places within scriptures were there exists mistranslation, misinterpretation, and where the original wordplay of dual meaning etc.. of the original languages and culture - can just not be carried across into another language or even cultural experience. And a study which includes research into these areas can be very rewarding.

While this is true (regarding mistranslation in places and lack of depth from the originals) anyone who does a serious study should eventually come away with the conclusion that scriptures are - a witness - and not a �how to manual�. Far more authorities that and teaching that once can find in scriptures (and sections do set forth doctrine and lesson and �how to�) is the continuation of the living source - of scriptures. A source which is the magisterium of the church (the origin of that which can not be figured out by human reason alone) - and - in the depths of everyone�s of heart and conscience. These two aspects fit like a glove to a hand and scriptures arises from this. Scriptures are a product of - and not a production method.

Secondly�
The danger of personal interpretation. Now here is a wide subject which I shall treat simply.

There is always the danger of personal interpretation. As a human condition - we always begin - from our own misguided personal interpretation - and with progress we come to a better and more correct interpretation. To begin anything - we begin with some type of understanding which is less than what we will eventually evolve to.

Someone who does begin to study scriptures comes to that study with some pre-conceived images or interpretations - which later - through study - many will be adjusted and corrected.

Finally�
I share the view with the church, that there is a danger for one to take scriptures alone - as his guide. From my own point of view, there does exist a balance regarding scriptures. That balance has it that it is important to study and research scriptures while it is also important not to idolize scriptures nor think that they are the supreme guide. There is value to the study of the originals and there is also value to having translations in other languages which take the witness of scriptures (as a whole) and make that a general �overview� accessible to the common man.

Bottom Line�
Is that scriptures are a witness, a testimony, of events and such. They are produced within human experience BY that �something� but do not -produce- that �something�. Scriptures are an �addition to� and are not the foundational means by which that �sometime� is measured or produced.

Holiness, or sanctification, consists primarily, in acts of the will to follow one�s conscience. And not in acts of the intellect in finding the alchemic formular to apply to oneself. To quote a portion of scripture which is traditionally mistranslated - it is �Peace to men of good will.� and not �Peace to them that be very intelligent to figure things out.� (the mistranslation has it �Peace and good will toward men.�).

As humanns, we wish that there be a simple formular, pr rules, or rituals that can be applied - which would turn the base lead which we are into the gold that we seek. But no such formula exists. The change of behavioral patterns are just that - the change of behavior patterns - and are not scarification or evidence of holiness - because these changes reach no deeper than our human psychology - or habitual nature. And no further. It is a �holiness� only to - the senses.

Besides, study scriptures all we want... be any of us of the greatest intellect � and the main item around which all scriptures rotate - will be missed. That item is Providence. The day to day arrangement, by God, or any and all events which have come to us today (our daily bread) within which we are to cooperate. It is within the anvil of these two expressions of the Will of God (reflected in our conscience and come to us in external daily events) that sanctification is forged. Not much intellect at all, is needed for this, and in fact intellect often gets in the way (it pretends to take the place of faith). Sanctification is primarily a dedication of the will� The desire� rooted within the simplicity of conscience.

Any, any, over-emphasis on scriptures as the primary source - places intellect or reason as the �leader� where intellect should only be the assistant.

This, as always, is my own opinion, and probably not expressed well at all.

-ray

Professor Thompson,

How true, and in becoming people of the Word we follow the words of Saint Paul:

"To the Jews I became like a Jew to win over Jews; to those under the law I became like one under the law--though I myself am not under the law--to win over those under the law. To those outside the law I became like one outside the law--though I am not outside God's law but within the law of Christ--to win over those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, to win over the weak. I have become all things to all, to save at least some. All this I do for the sake of the gospel, so that I too may have a share in it." (1 Cor. 9:20-23)

RayK,
I once read a brief explanation, hopefully this helps.

All Latins are Catholic but not all Catholics are Latin.

Dominus Vobiscum

Sorry - can't resist this

How true