According to the understanding of parables in the "Insight Volume 1" book, is the hearer allowed interpretational freedom

by I_love_Jeff 2 Replies latest watchtower bible

  • I_love_Jeff
    I_love_Jeff

    Regarding Illustrations (parables)-

    "Because the hearer is left to apply the principles of the illustration to himself, it can carry to him a clear message of warning and rebuke, at the same time disarming him so that he has no ground to retaliate against the speaker. In other words, as the saying goes, ‘If the shoe fits, wear it.’ When the Pharisees criticized Jesus for eating with tax collectors and sinners, Jesus replied: “Persons in health do not need a physician, but the ailing do. Go, then, and learn what this means, ‘I want mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came to call, not righteous people, but sinners.”—Mt 9:11-13".

    "Finally, the factors in an illustration should not be given an arbitrary meaning, one gained from a private view or from philosophy. The rule is set forth for Christians: "No one has come to know the things of God, except the spirit of God. Now we received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is from God, that we might know the things that have been kindly given us by God. These things we also speak, not with words taught by human wisdom, but with those taught by the spirit, as we combine spiritual matters with spiritual words."-1Co 2:11-13."

    Insight Volume 1 pg. 1175-1176

    If God's spirit is with every single Jehovah's Witness, then the guidance given by spirit to assist in understanding a specific verse pertaining to a special event in one's life allows for interpretational freedom. With regard to parables, if each parable pertains to one's own personal experience in a particular circumstance is that not called interpretational freedom?

  • AndDontCallMeShirley
    AndDontCallMeShirley

    "interpretational freedom" = believing what WT tells you to believe. No need to engage your brain and make it personal.

    Besides, Holy Spirit cannot compete with the GB.

    When WT wants your opinion, they'll give it to you.

  • Separation of Powers
    Separation of Powers

    The answer lies in this quote, " A lot of people out there pay good lip service to the idea of personal freedom...right up to the point that someone tries to do something that they don't personally approve of."

    ADCMS says it well... Our opinion IS your opinion. that is...if you are a MATURE christian.

    SOP

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