"Mark the plain and manifest places of the Scriptures, and in doubtful places see thou add no interpretation contrary to them; but (as Paul saith) let all be conformable and agreeing to the faith." ~ William Tyndale, Preface to the New Testament 1526.
Reading Tydale's prefaces to the New Testament, I thought about our society in regards to Scripture. I think that for a long time most churches have took different passages of Scripture and have used them as a wedge to divide the church. Most lay persons, who struggle with a particular scripture, will either a). struggle with the passage and come up with their own interpretation or b). go to a church member, with the struggling passage, and get the members interpretation of the Scripture and hold that as truth.
Before my training in undergrad and seminary, I have fallen victim too the two scenarios. During my training, I found out that some of my views (mine or others instilled in me) on certain passages were not accurate. Now, if i encounter a passage that makes me struggle a bit, I do my research to make sure I understand it completely. I also debate with colleges and friends to get more depth in understanding a passage.
I understand the temptation to take a certain passage and label it irrelevant and/or contradictory to other scriptures in the Bible. But, as Tyndale wrote, we should interpret them as agreeing to the faith. Paul wrote in his letter to the Church in Phillipi to "...work out your salvation with fear and trembling..." I think we also need to work out troubling scripture the same way.
