The Bible is a complex book with writings spanning over 1500 years by authors writing from different perspectives for different purposes. With this complexity, it’s no wonder there is confusion regarding its teachings.
Here are some key reasons why there is confusion:
1. Lack of biblical literacy
Many people simply don’t take the time to read and study the Bible for themselves. Instead, they rely on hearsay or select verses without understanding the full context. This leads to misunderstandings and confusion over what the Bible truly teaches.
The Bible is a large book – actually a collection of 66 books and letters. Without reading it cover to cover and studying passages in context, it’s easy to come away confused.
2. Differing interpretations
The Bible leaves room for differing interpretations on some matters leading to disagreements among Christians. Sincere Christians examine the same passages and arrive at different conclusions. This can create confusion for those looking for definitive answers.
For example, topics like predestination vs free will, timing of end times events, mode of baptism, and role of spiritual gifts lack complete consensus among Bible scholars. This leads to confusion for many.
3. Complex writing styles
The Bible contains different genres – poetry, prophecy, history, letters, and apocalyptic writings. Each genre has different writing styles requiring careful examination. Poetry is filled with metaphors while prophecy contains vivid imagery. Apocalyptic writings use cryptic symbols. This complexity requires effort to properly interpret.
For example, many struggle to understand apocalyptic sections like Daniel and Revelation because of their symbolism. This leads to wildly differing views on the end times.
4. Apparent contradictions
At first glance, some passages appear to contradict each other. This can create confusion and cause some to doubt the Bible’s consistency.
For instance, James 2:24 says we are justified by works while Romans 3:28 says we are justified by faith. Or Genesis 1 depicts creation in six days while Genesis 2 describes it differently. Thoughtful examination resolves these apparent discrepancies, but confusion can remain for some.
5. Lack of context
Failing to understand the historical and cultural context of biblical passages leads to misunderstanding. The Bible was written long ago in ancient lands with very different cultures. Proper understanding requires knowing the context.
For example, 1 Corinthians 14 discusses women remaining silent in church. This seems inconsistent with other passages unless we understand the context of Corinthian women disrupting worship.
6. Human limitations
As finite humans, our ability to fully comprehend an infinite God is limited. No one completely understands God’s ways. Some confusion is inevitable when trying to grasp divine truths.
Passages like predestination, the Trinity, God’s sovereignty and human responsibility push our limited understanding. We won’t have full clarity on these issues this side of eternity.
7. Lack of the Holy Spirit
The Bible teaches that spiritual truths are discerned by the Holy Spirit who illuminates Scripture. Without the Spirit’s guidance, confusion persists. Scripture affirms this in 1 Corinthians 2.
Those who try to interpret the Bible without the Spirit’s wisdom inevitably get confused by the complexities of Scripture. The Spirit is essential for bringing clarity.
8. Existence of false teachings
From early days, fraudulent teachings corrupted biblical truth leading people astray. Deceptive false prophets twist Scripture causing confusion today as well.
Cults like Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and others profess Christianity while teaching doctrine that contradicts the Bible, deceiving many.
9. Disconnection from Jesus
Jesus repeatedly rebuked religious leaders for elevating tradition over Scripture. Man’s teachings often supplant biblical truth causing confusion.
Staying centered on Jesus and his gospel keeps us anchored in biblical truth. When disconnected from Christ, it’s easy to drift into confusion.
10. Our sinful nature
As fallen people influenced by sin, we approach the Bible with biases and flawed thinking which can distort our understanding, creating confusion.
Pride, greed, laziness, and other sins sway our thinking. As long as sin remains, we will struggle to have perfect clarity.
In summary, confusion over biblical teaching stems from many factors – lack of literacy, complex writings, human limitations, falsehoods, and sin. But the Bible itself is perfectly consistent and authoritative when properly understood.
The solution is continuously maturing in our knowledge of Scripture through careful reading, asking the Spirit for wisdom, staying centered on Christ, finding godly mentors, and resisting sin’s influence. Confusion dissipates as we take these steps of growth.
Though some confusion will remain, we can have confidence in God’s Word. God promises understanding to those who pursue truth with humility and perseverance (Proverbs 2:1-6). Let us be lifelong students of Scripture, continually growing in our knowledge of God’s life-giving teachings.
The Bible contains the clear words of life, centered on Christ. May we study diligently, guided by the Spirit, and find clarity that transforms us into Christ’s image for God’s glory.