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Do you have to understand every single word in the scripture you belive in?

Spirit of Light

Be who ever you want
When you reading the religious scripture you believe in. In your view, do you have to understand the word meaning of every single word in the scripture to become a good practitioner?
How important is Etymology to you?

If you use etymology for every single word in the scripture, Why do you believe this is the right way to do it?

Or do you see the scripture more as a guide to how you should live or what is important to belive in?
 

Rival

Si m'ait Dieus
Staff member
Premium Member
It's certainly desirable, but why only use one method? You have all the tools at your disposal for multiple understandings of a scripture. It's in one's best interest to explore them all without bias, I think; sometimes etymology really helps, while at other times it's no help at all. As a language lover I would tend to go that route, but spiritual books are for spiritual purposes, not language exams - although the language is certainly important. I think if one's approach is multifaceted that is best.
 
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Samael_Khan

Goosebender
When you reading the religious scripture you believe in. In your view, do you have to understand the word meaning of every single word in the scripture to become a good practitioner?
How important is Etymology to you?

If you use etymology for every single word in the scripture, Why do you believe this is the right way to do it?

Or do you see the scripture more as a guide to how you should live or what is important to belive in?

As long as you get the message it should work, because understanding the message is what transforms a person. The message should reach you through the context otherwise the book isn't well written.
 

Samael_Khan

Goosebender
When you reading the religious scripture you believe in. In your view, do you have to understand the word meaning of every single word in the scripture to become a good practitioner?
How important is Etymology to you?

If you use etymology for every single word in the scripture, Why do you believe this is the right way to do it?

Or do you see the scripture more as a guide to how you should live or what is important to belive in?

Also, if you are reading an english translation, the scholar who studied the material would know more about the language than you so they should be trusted. Be wary of people who nitpick the meaning of every word to discredit your understanding, because they are slippery and are probably trying to dodge a valid point with semantics.
 

Spirit of Light

Be who ever you want
Also, if you are reading an english translation, the scholar who studied the material would know more about the language than you so they should be trusted. Be wary of people who nitpick the meaning of every word to discredit your understanding, because they are slippery and are probably trying to dodge a valid point with semantics.
True, i have noticed it even here in RF :)
 

stvdv

Veteran Member: I Share (not Debate) my POV
you reading the religious scripture you believe in. In your view, do you have to understand the word meaning of every single word in the scripture to become a good practitioner?
NO

Practice one virtue, the others will follow

My Master said: Hurt Never, Help Ever
If you practise this you need not know anything else from the Bible (He also said that all Scriptures have Love at their core, guiding you to the ultimate goal, hence it applies to all Scriptures, not just to the Bible)
 

Samael_Khan

Goosebender
True, i have noticed it even here in RF :)

It definitely happens here a lot. People get into semantic arguments, zeroing in on the meaning of words to show how much knowledge they have. But notice how many times those people mention the overall context of the paragraphs and books that the verse and words they are zeroing in on come from. They hardly ever do that. Which is a problem. Words are used together to communicate a message and concept and to isolate parts of them from the overall writings won't lead to understanding.
 

SalixIncendium

अग्निविलोवनन्दः
Staff member
Premium Member
When you reading the religious scripture you believe in. In your view, do you have to understand the word meaning of every single word in the scripture to become a good practitioner?
How important is Etymology to you?

If you use etymology for every single word in the scripture, Why do you believe this is the right way to do it?

Or do you see the scripture more as a guide to how you should live or what is important to belive in?

My scripture was written in Sanskrit. It has been translated to English along with several commentaries by various sages. Even when reviewing the etymology of every English word, one would still have to trust that the translation is accurate. Unfortunately, there are many Sanskrit terms that have no direct English translation.

At some point, I want to have a comprehensive knowledge of Sanskrit. I'm learning little by little. Eventually, I want to find a course so I can pick up the pace.

I don't think having a thorough understanding of scripture is what makes one a "good practitioner" though. I think actions speak louder than words.
 

Spirit of Light

Be who ever you want
My scripture was written in Sanskrit. It has been translated to English along with several commentaries by various sages. Even when reviewing the etymology of every English word, one would have to trust that the translation is accurate. Unfortunately, there are many Sanskrit terms that have no direct English translation.

At some point, I want to have a comprehensive knowledge of Sanskrit. I'm learning little by little. Eventually, I want to find a course so I can pick up the pace.
I believe there is so much more then word by word understanding in scripture :) So i can say i am agreeing with you
 

Psalm23

Well-Known Member
When you reading the religious scripture you believe in. In your view, do you have to understand the word meaning of every single word in the scripture to become a good practitioner?
How important is Etymology to you?

If you use etymology for every single word in the scripture, Why do you believe this is the right way to do it?

Or do you see the scripture more as a guide to how you should live or what is important to belive in?

No, you don’t have to understand everything in scripture. I see scripture as both a guide and what’s important to believe in.
 
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