Bible Quote by William Ellery Channing
“Our leading principle in interpreting Scripture is this, that the Bible is a book written for men, in the language of men, and that its meaning is to be sought in the same manner as that of other books. We believe that God, when he speaks to the human race, conforms, if we may so say, to the established rules of speaking and writing. How else would the Scriptures avail us more, than if communicated in an unknown tongue?”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Bible (general reference)
The Bible should be read like any other book, using ordinary language and methods to understand its meaning.
In simple terms: Read the Bible as a human book.
Key Takeaway
Approach Scripture with ordinary reading tools.
Themes
interpretation
language
faith
Mood
respectful
inquisitive
Type
theological
educational
When to use this quote
- personal study
- sermons
- academic courses
- interfaith dialogue
Key Concepts
Hermeneutics
historical context
Questions to Reflect On
- How does everyday language shape our understanding of sacred texts?
- What risks arise from treating Scripture as fundamentally different?
A Different Perspective
If cultural context is ignored, meaning can be misread.
