Introduction to Biblical Interpretation

In studying the Bible what has become the most difficult to both teach, explain, and comprehend is understanding that the Bible can be wrote by humans but still be the living, breathing truth of God, Himself. The struggle is two - fold for me 1.) There are numerous interpretations and theological debates across the world about parts of scripture. This struggle in interpretation by theologians leads me to the questions - if so many people can interpret the Bible differently, then how can we fully trust that the humans writing the historical chapters of the Bible were 110% hearing from and authoring from the Spirit of God, Himself. How do I explain to a new believer or non believer that humans, yes, authored the Bible but God spoke through them - but also, yes, many people today disagree on the correct interpretation of the word of God. Taking for instance, the numerous denominations in existence across the sects of Christianity that utilizes the Bible as truth - but also claims truth to support the specific denomination - I can struggle to explain that the Bible is still Divinely Inspired and absolute truth, even if that truth is disagreed upon.

Now, the number and consistency of biblical manuscripts gives me, within myself, greater confidence and trust within the Bible. As there are a wealth of manuscripts that carry consistency between the translations and assertions, it would be difficult for me to deny the historical accuracy maintained between them. If numerous accounts are stating the same information, then it foregoes the argument against a single individuals interpretation. This is also why I enjoy combing the Gospels - to see the repeated accounts of Jesus wrote down - even if the author's voices provide a varying lens- the details are still consistent. 

Personally, I prefer to compare multiple translations of the Bible. NIV as a standard literal translation to the English language is my first source for all writing and teaching because the language is direct. HOWEVER, I am personally drawn to The Passion Translation for the way that it captures the fullness of translation from the original language of the Bible. One of my favorite parts of studying the Bible is dissecting the original Aramaic, Hebrew, and Greek words to grasp the fullness of context that may not be present in the direct translation within the NIV. Understanding cultural implications, context, and the fullness of language by comparing the translations is incredibly imperative when teaching and understanding the Bible.