(no subject)

[stormdog]

Here's a religion question. Do any of you feel like you can make any kind of point in rational discussion about whether something is moral/acceptable/etc. by referring to the Bible or other antiquarian religious writings? I just feel like saying activity X is condoned or condemned in some particular religious text is a nearly meaningless statement. Not (just) because of its appeal to a subjective moral authority in the form of a God. More because even if that moral authority does exist, it seems that any particular chunk of verse can, and is, interpreted in many different ways by people with various levels of authority on the matter. For any point one can make by citing a religious authority's understanding of a point of scripture, that point can be negated by citing a different religious authority's interpretation of the same point of scripture.

How does a person for whom these things are important decide on a particular interpretation? Does it come down to what particular tradition of the religion you were born into? Do you look at the interpretations that are out there and choose the one that you find most appealing, or true to your heart? Or is there some other way to come to your own personal choice of interpretation among the many that are out there?

(I should really start working on my homework....)