Ep. 19: LDS Bible scholar: We don't play by Protestant rules
Sep 30, 2024
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Ben Spackman, a Latter-day Saint Bible scholar with a Ph.D., dives into the unique biblical interpretations of Latter-day Saints. He explores the tensions between Latter-day Saint beliefs and Protestant doctrines, emphasizing ongoing revelation and scriptural authority. Spackman tackles the complexities of biblical contradictions and discusses the Latter-day Saint view of deification, challenging common misconceptions. He also highlights the interconnections between the Bible and the Book of Mormon, advocating for a nuanced understanding of scripture.
Latter-day Saints interpret scripture through a lens of modern revelation and living prophets, contrasting sharply with the Protestant reliance on sola scriptura.
Understanding the contrasting paradigms and assumptions between Latter-day Saints and Protestants fosters constructive theological discussions rather than divisive arguments.
Deep dives
Understanding Protestant Paradigms
Protestants often claim that Latter-day Saint beliefs are not biblical, primarily due to differing paradigms governing interpretations of the scriptures. Latter-day Saints generally found themselves absorbed in the Protestant framework, largely because of America's Protestant culture. However, it is vital to challenge this framework and recognize that the method Protestants use to classify ideas as biblical is not the same as that employed by Latter-day Saints. This discrepancy leads to arguments centered around interpretations that may not align, creating confusion in debates regarding theological beliefs.
Sola Scriptura and Interpretive Pluralism
The Protestant principle of sola scriptura, where scripture serves as the only source of doctrinal authority, contributes to the proliferation of various interpretations among different Protestant denominations. This contrasts sharply with the Latter-day Saint belief system, which embraces an open canon and the authority of living prophets who guide scriptural interpretation. As a result, interpreting scripture can become a subjective experience for Protestants, often leading to individual readers creating their own doctrines. This phenomenon is termed pervasive interpretive pluralism, where anyone can start a movement based on their interpretation of the Bible, further diverging from the Latter-day Saint view of structured authority.
Living Prophets vs. Closed Canon
A key distinction between Latter-day Saints and Protestants lies in the belief in living prophets and modern revelation compared to a closed canon. The Latter-day Saint approach accepts additional scriptures and recognizes that doctrinal teachings can be dynamically updated through prophetic authority. This belief stands in contrast to the Protestant view that relies solely on the Bible, maintaining that no new revelation can occur post-canonization. Consequently, when confronted with claims that their beliefs contradict the Bible, Latter-day Saints can assert that their doctrines stem not merely from scriptural texts but from an evolving divine authority.
Navigating Theological Discussions
When engaging in theological discussions, Latter-day Saints are encouraged to focus not only on specific scriptural interpretations but to also examine the principles and assumptions that underlie their beliefs and those of their Protestant counterparts. Recognizing the inherent differences in worldview can pave the way for more constructive conversations, instead of getting lost in heated debates over scriptural texts. This broader understanding can help Latter-day Saints articulate their beliefs more effectively and demonstrate that their faith operates within a distinct framework of divine revelation. Engaging thoughtfully and respectfully with complex theological concepts fosters a climate of mutual understanding and learning.