The Bible & Orthodox Tradition

November 26, 2007

#39

Misha_ wrote:

Saint John of the Ladder wrote: “There are certain unclean demons, which, as soon as someone begins to study the Bible, reveal its interpretation. They especially enjoy doing this to the hearts of vainglorious people and moreso, to those with a secular education. Their goal is to entice them into heresies and blasphemous ideas, deceiving them very very gradually….”

Interesting. So the demons themselves can reveal correct interpretation!

I think the point of this quote, if I\'m understanding it correctly, is to say that interpretation of the Scriptures cannot edify without humility. I agree with this statement. I think that any time that one has an idea of what Scripture is saying, he or she must submit that interpretation to the rest of Scripture, to be sure the interpretation does not contradict Scripture (Old and New Testaments) elsewhere. Then one has to allow those who know more to vet the interpretation.

In this way, pride does not spoil a correct interpretation because the interpretation is infused with humility.

Be the first person to like this.