A new false doctrine: the Hermeneutics of Humility

The Hermeneutics of Humility part 2,here
The Hermeneutics of Humility part 3 here

There is a false doctrine going around that is having an impact. It is called the Hermeneutics of Humility. It goes like this: "I'm fallible, and I've been wrong before in my interpretations of the bible, and gee, look at how many other people are wrong in their interpretations, and I'm just too humble to say that I think I know the bible. So I won't say I do."

People who have fallen deeper into the false doctrine of Hermeneutical Humility say "There are things I won't contend for. I certainly won't fight over biblical non-essentials."

And people who have fallen the furthermost say "I just want unity. We should be united over the Gospel, not divided."

John MacArthur defined Hermeneutics of Humility this way:
"We live in a time when certainty and conviction about what is true is not tolerated. The politically correct attitude is one of uncertainty with nothing absolute. There's a new hermeneutics, a new science of interpretation called the Hermeneutics of Humility, and this is serious to the people who espoused this and their Hermeneutics of Humility say, "I'm too humble to think that I could ever know what the Bible really means and so I can only offer my opinion and I certainly can't say that this is in fact the truth." They pat themselves on the back congratulating themselves for such intellectual openness."

Senior Pastor Daniel Henderson put it this way:
"One of the great dangers of this movement is what they call a ‘hermeneutic of humility.’ ‘Hermeneutic’ is the science of interpreting scripture, and, of course, the idea of humility. And the basic idea is, ‘Let’s not be too clear, too dogmatic, too strong about what we believe. I mean, how do we know we’re really right, you know?’ And in a sense, it’s giving into the conflict of society, giving in to the pressure of the culture to say, ‘Well, you know, absolute truth, we’re not sure, so let’s just be really humble about the way we communicate it.’

David B. Hewitt said it this way: "The "hermeneutics of humility" appear to be the fact that people try to put forward the idea that we cannot really know with certitude what the Bible is saying, and to insist we can is proud and arrogant."

The Hermeneutics of Humility makes me crazy. I get upset when I read bloggers who espouse it, because it dismisses the work of the Holy Spirit. It makes clear to unbelievers that the faith that was delivered to the Saints once for all (Jude 1:3) is unknowable. It shows evidence of satan's success in getting us to doubt ourselves. And that was the very first scheme he perpetrated, and it appears to be one of the last. Let's look at the things I've just said closely. This is going to be broken up into several parts. This is a serious, serious matter! Please listen with receiving, graceful heart, bathed in prayer, and with open ears.

Hermeneutics of Humility dismisses the work of the Holy Spirit. James said, "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind." (James 1:2-6).

In verse 3 here James says faith will be tested but it yields a perfect result, the word for perfect is a root from which we get telescope. The illustration here is with a old pirate's telescope, unfolding (extending out) one stage at a time to function at vision that is at full-strength. In verse 4 he says that 'if you lack anything' (for that endurance so that you may be perfected) and the word lack here means lacking as in left behind in a race. If you are being left behind in wisdom and need perfecting for those results, then ASK. Those who do not ask dismiss the work of the Holy Spirit. Those who do ask but doubt, also disrespect His work.

You notice those who say that are too humble to claim they know for sure what this or that doctrine of the bible means, have been like surf of the sea. They used to believe in post-tribulation rapture, now they believe in pre-tribulation rapture but then again they are not so sure. They used to follow this pastor but then came across a website that said something different and now they are not so sure. They are tossed like the surf and they end up being double minded. Many people who espouse this false humility have already been tossed so much like the surf that they just want to find a beach and give up. Being double minded IS tiring. They were tossed to begin with because they were not rooted in the Spirit, not allowing HIM to lead the way. The Spirit doesn't toss you. He lends peace to your mind. If you are tossed like the surf then please take a look at whether you are relying on the Spirit to unfold your understanding, or not. There is peace in the certitude that the Holy Spirit gives us in understanding the faith and that is how we know it was Him that gave it to us in the first place.

Obtaining wisdom and certitude does not mean that you're done in studying that particular doctrine. Think of the telescope again. It extends. I explored the rapture doctrine and after a while of prayer, study, and discernment He showed me unalterably that it will occur before the Tribulation. But that doesn't mean I concluded my studies in that doctrine. There was much more to learn about the rapture, but my faith in His deliverance of wisdom to me never wavered after that. The unfolding telescope is always advancing the eye toward clearer vision. We will only know for sure when we are glorified and perfected in all ways, and even then we will still be plumbing the depths of an infinite God. But DO advance. Unfold your certainty so that you may endure and your faith will endure at the time of testing.

I have much, MUCH more to say about this and will continue with another blog entry after church. I'll take a look at where satan's hand in this false doctrine is, talk about biblical discernment, and the difference between humility in certitude, and conceit in knowing.

The Hermeneutics of Humility part 2,here
The Hermeneutics of Humility part 3 here

Blessings to you, cherished ones.
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