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William Whitaker on the use of commentaries an other extra-biblical writings:
 [The unlearned] ought to have recourse to other persons better skilled than themselves, to read the books of others, to consult the commentaries and expositions of learned interpreters, and to confer with others. Such was the practice of Jerome, of Augustine, and of other fathers. But, in the meanwhile, care must be taken that we do not ascribe too much to them, or suppose that their interpretations are to be received because they are theirs, but because they are supported by the authority of scripture or by reason, so as to allow them no weight in opposition to the scripture. We may use their labours, advice, prudence, and knowledge; but we should use them always cautiously, modestly, and discreetly, and so as still to retain our own liberty. He that shall be content to make such a use of these means, and will lay aside his prejudices and party zeal, which many bring with them to every question, will be enabled to gain an understanding of the scriptures, if not in all places, yet in most; if not immediately, yet ultimately. —William Whitaker, Disputations on the Holy Scriptures (Soli Deo Gloria, 2005), 473.
Related: Dumb Things I have Believed: Me & My Bible.
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4 Comments:
#1 || 09·08·12··08:36 || Daniel
I think there are a lot of people (a lot of Christians to be exact) who have made fasting their daily habit - but they do not fast from food, or any worldly indulgence - they fast from reading God's word for themselves, and when they do partake, goodness, they don't dare take more than a bite here, and a bite there, lest they get indigestion!
One consequence of such a beggarly diet is that they find themselves without any biblical discernment. They are so unfamiliar with God's word, that they (rightly) don't trust themselves to divide it properly. But rather than remedy the problem by actually taking time daily to study God's word for themselves, they instead imbibe the paraphrashed, pre-chewed summary expositions of others whom they (for whatever reason) have decided are probably "right".
I personally know of a young man whose bible reading was spotty at best. In the five years that I spent in a bible study with him, his theological opinions flip flopped so radically, you would think he didn't know what to believe. The fellow had read over an hundred (I do not exaggerate here) theology texts, and found himself quite persuaded one way or the other by various "experts" and their arguments - yet in all that time he had managed to read through scripture only once.
I cringe when I meet someone who can't hold an opinion unless someone famous has first articulated it.
#2 || 09·08·12··14:22 || David
I know what you mean. Me, I always think, “What does Daniel say?”
#3 || 09·08·13··07:48 || Daniel
Oh Great! I have been withholding my opinions until I hear what you say!
#4 || 09·08·13··10:09 || David
Ah, the secret behind your genius!