“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
There is perpetual tension between viewing Scripture objectively, on the one hand, and acknowledging its authority, on the other. Those who believe the Bible agree that it is the inspired Word of God, and that we are obliged to obey it. But authority is restrictive; I want to do what I want.
Therefore we are more prone to manipulate Scripture than any other literature. For example, there is no necessity to manipulate the intent of the information in the morning newspaper, simply because we are not under its authority.
This is the reason liberal commentators on the Bible are often more accurate than conservative commentators. Liberals don’t view Scripture as authoritative, don’t feel obligated to obey it, and therefore tend to be more objective in their interpretation.
Dependence, surrender, neutrality, an eagerness to obey God, no vested interest in the outcome, not trying to build anything – these are key to knowing God and His ways. The urge to manipulate authority is great, and the more absolute the authority, the greater the urge to manipulate.
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