Pride often stands in the way of one's understanding the Bible. Previous lessons touched on a number of other reasons why people fail to comprehend God's word.
     In order to study the Bible with understanding a method must be employed. Over- the past centuries seven different methods of interpreting the Bible have been developed. It's no surprise, then, that the end results are often varied and contradictory. That's why people come up with so many different, answers, all the while using the same Bible. False doctrines are introduced and flourish because of these approaches (methods):
1. Mystic- Only certain persons are "in tune" with God and can understand the written word. This method teaches that the real truth is often different from that which is obviously said.
2. Allegorical- Similar to the mystic, but more extreme. Each person has the right to draw out of the various passages the lesson he feels is right for him. Use of symbols and figures of speech are prominent.
3. Superstitious-Rich in emotion but poor in reason. This method searches for all manner of hidden meanings. Incidental details become weird items of importance. This forces camparisons and contrasts.
4. Ecclesiastical- Popular over the last several years. Looks to the final authority of one's church for understanding. Authoritative doctrine and practice are considered the final, infallible interpreter of scripture.
5. Dogmatic- Very common and effective today. One assumes a certain doctrine is true, then defends it by showing, from scripture, he can prove it's true. "proof-texting" is used when one goes to the Bible to sustain his doctrine, not to obtain it.
6. Rational- Refers to reason but exaggerates the position of reason. This method ceases to treat reason as a tool and makes it the supreme authority in all judgments of scriptural truth.
7. Literal- A reactionary move against the rational. Forces the Bible to be literal at a point where it is obviously figurative. May lead to putting a quotation of an uninspired man or the devil himself on a par with the words of an