Principle 27

HERMENEUTICS

PRINCIPLE 27

Beware of Preferences and Preconceptions

Preferences and Preconceptions are two problems at the root of many areas of human conflict, even among Christians. Let’s look at a few areas where Christians are vulnerable.

Our “Pleasant” Interpretations

Preference affects our interpretation of Scripture when we choose the more pleasant interpretation. We’d obviously prefer to believe the pleasant interpretation, but that pleasant interpretation is not always correct.

Example such as the false doctrines of universal salvation for all mankind, and no eternal punishment for unbelievers are obvious examples of “more pleasant” interpretations which have been improperly forced on the clear text of Scripture.

But some cases are not so clear-cut. For example, we studied the doctrine of the rapture; that all believers will be taken home to heaven by the Lord Himself before the tribulation. Why do we believe in the rapture? Let’s be sure we believe it because we’ve interpreted Scripture carefully, and not just because we prefer the “more pleasant” interpretation which allows Christians to escape the wrath of God upon the earth. 

Our “Traditional” Interpretations

An example where tradition may easily affect our interpretation of Scripture is the manner and mode of baptism. Most of us simply go along with the teaching and tradition of baptism of the church or denomination in which we were raised, rather than reaching a personal conviction through an honest and careful study of Scripture.

Beware of preferences and preconceptions here! Decisions about infant versus adult baptism, or immersion versus sprinkling as the mode of baptism should be based on Scripture alone, and not on tradition or preconceptions. Can you back up your position on baptism by sound biblical hermeneutics, or has your church tradition determined your position? Remember, Jesus denounced the Pharisees for their preferences and preconceptions in making their traditions more important than the Word of God (Mark 7:13).

Our “Favorite” Interpretations

Another dangerous area where preferences and preconceptions affect our interpretation is believing everything that a favorite preacher or writer says. Or potentially even more dangerous, believing that everything you see or read on the internet is true!

We can’t assume that our favorite preacher, writer, website, or video has the last word. That would be letting preconceptions affect our interpretation. These sources may be helpful, but too many people take the easy road and form opinions based on one source of information. Be careful not to settle on an interpretation until you dig out all the facts. Be like the believers in Berea (Acts 17:11), and search the Scriptures for yourself - especially on controversial subjects.

Even the apostle Paul told the Galatians that they should not believe him—or even an angel from heaven—if either one of them should give a “different interpretation” of the gospel of Jesus Christ. That’s pretty strong language! But it shows the importance of this principle.