Does Your Cultural Background Influence Bible Interpretation

In the recent episode of the Straight Truth Podcast, Dr. Richard Caldwell and Dr. Josh Philpot delve into the complexities of Biblical interpretation in light of one's cultural and personal perspective. Dr. Caldwell asserts that while individual backgrounds and -standpoints- can influence interpretation, they shouldn't. The meaning of the Scripture, according to him, isn't subjective but objective, rooted in its original context, writer's intent, and the divine inspiration behind it. While a passage can have multiple applications depending on the reader's personal circumstances, its intrinsic meaning remains constant. Dr. Caldwell emphasizes the importance of discerning the true meaning of Scripture using the grammatical-historical principle and warns against imposing personal experiences or cultural viewpoints onto the text, as it detracts from its divine intent and authority.