Quotes about Interpretation

The world has never had a good definition of the word liberty... We all declare for liberty; but in using the same word we do not all mean the same thing. --April 18, 1864 Address at Baltimore

A picture's beauty does not depend on the things portrayed in it.

There is no better way of coming to be aware of what one feels oneself than by trying to recreate in oneself what a master has felt.

One who will not learn to handle the Bible for himself is not an evangelical Christian.

Anybody who does not feel that he would be much happier were he only permitted to understand and obey the commandments of Jesus in a straightforward literal way, and e.g. surrender all his possessions at his bidding rather than cling to them, has no right to this paradoxical interpretation of Jesus' words. We have to hold the two together in mind all the time.

It is not surprising, of course, that those who attempt to discredit the evidence of Scripture are the people who themselves do not seriously read, know, or make a thorough study of the Scriptures.

God's word to me—new every day—in the infinite riches of interpretation.

When a preacher opens the Bible and interprets the word of God, a mystery takes place, a miracle: the grace of God, who comes down from heaven into our midst and speaks to us, knocks on our door, asks questions, warns us, puts pressure on us, alarms us, threatens us, and makes us joyful again and free and sure.

I don't have anything to say about other people's art and their work.

The only thing wrong with architecture is architects.

see the hidden meaning of Scripture in all its fullness (for the word of God is a pearl and may be pierced on every side)

The art of interpreting the scriptures is the only one of which all men everywhere claim to be masters.