Novel Understanding

by Doy Moyer

I don’t try to be novel in my understanding of Scripture. I am not aware of any particular view I hold on specific passages that is “way out there” compared to how others generally and historically see the same passages. That is not to say that there are no differences or disagreements. That’s common. There are certainly differences in understandings and applications. There might be nuances of a position that are different. Yet when considered passage by passage or theme by theme, I don’t know of any view I hold that is so entirely different as to be some grand unorthodox and odd position that is virtually unknown to commentators and interpreters both now and in the past.

For example, I am not a Calvinist, but it’s not like you can’t find non-Calvinists throughout the ages. I would be considered amillennial (as opposed to premillennial, dispensational, postmillennial, etc.), but this is not unique. I believe baptism is for the remission of sins, but you can find plenty throughout time who take the same view (and sometimes commentators will teach what is true about baptism even if they might not practice it consistently). I believe corporate worship among Christians ought to avoid mechanical instruments (because we are the instruments), but that is hardly unorthodox throughout history. Insofar as my beliefs about God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) and Scripture are concerned, I know of nothing that would set me at odds with typically understood orthodox views.

My understanding and practices are not based on strange and unconventional views. They are not grounded in a weird twist on how interpretation ought to be done. I have no mystical knowledge that I think gives me an edge over others on how to see Scripture. I believe my views have historical precedents. If this is in question, I am willing to consider and study. My goal is not to be unique, but to be true (Acts 17:11). My task is not to agree with everyone who has gone before, but to be consistent and be able to back it up with sound, biblical argumentation. Just because something is “new” to me doesn’t make it wrong, and just because something is “old” to me doesn’t make it right (cf. Acts 17). And vice versa. This is why we keep studying. If we do not think we can keep learning, then we are most pitiful.

None of this makes a view right or wrong. The patristics are not my final authority and neither is any particular commentary, council, or synod. Yet there is another side to this we ought to consider: if one’s view of something is unique, totally new, and based on an interpretation of a passage that has no historical precedent, then surely that one would need to re-think it. If we believe that we have come up with some brand new understanding that no one else has ever thought of, that alone is enough to be suspicious. Perhaps you are the only one who has ever seen this particular truth … but I seriously doubt it. Even so, it would be quite arrogant to suggest that “I alone, after two thousand years, am the first to see this truth.”

Why do I read from others from both now and the past? For the same reason, I talk with others in person about Scripture. I am interested in the truth. I want to know that what I’m thinking and how I’m reading is not something way out there with no support or precedent. I might be missing information or perhaps have a hole in my logic. Perhaps I can take pride in some self-made “I don’t need anyone’s help” approach, but this usually only spells trouble. I’m simply joining the conversation that has been going on for centuries. I often agree (and disagree) with specifics. But the process through which we gather information and draw conclusions is important. We ought to be listening and learning. And this is based on biblical wisdom:

"Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety" (Proverbs 11:14).

Studying Scripture need not be something you only do alone. Bounce your conclusions off of others. Be willing to listen and learn. The results are worth it.

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