The Problem of Competing Interpretations

And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. (Luke 24:27 ESV)

Wouldn’t you have like to have heard this? While I would probably consider myself pretty biblically literate, there are parts of the Bible I don’t always understand. One thing that I find really difficult is the differing interpretations of the same biblical texts.

For instance while many Christian churches don’t have a problem with women cutting their hair or wearing pants, there are equally sincere Christians who think that a woman in pants is sinful. While some Christians (and Jesus) think that drinking alcohol in moderation, others think that this too is sinful. To confuse things even more, all of the folks espousing these competing doctrines say that their view comes from scripture.

At least in this instance, Cleopas and his companion could be certain that Jesus interpretation of the scriptures was perfect.