Ijeoma make a comment "there it was in the Bible, open to whatever meaning people decided to give to it."

Ijeoma makes the comment "there it was in the Bible, open to whatever meaning people decided to give to it." This is pertaining the the second paragraph on page 83. What do you think of her statement? Do you agree with her statement?

I agree with Ijeoma statement that the Bible is open to interpretation. Even different religions and societies interpret the passages differently. I feel Ijeoma was interpreting the Bible to fit her situation with Amina seem less sinful.

I have discovered that the interpretation of the Bible is viewed in vastly different perspectives--much of that is based on the different religions we have. For me, I am not a firm believer in the strict, literal interpretation for several reasons: 1. The Bible was written in other cultural languages such as Greek and Latin and as such is open to the interpretation of the meaning of certain words and phrases which have a different connotation today. 2. The literal and strict adherence to the Bible as it was written would still honor slaughtering lambs as a sacrifice; what about eunuchs? ; Women should not hold any "leadership roles and be quiet" and so many more 4. The Bible was written by men which would lead one to believe that it was open to their interpretations and observations-- Having stated the above, I do believe in the Bible as a "guide" and do consider it as the closest thing we have to "the Holy Word." As young as Ijeoma was at the time, I was amazed at her ability to think critically and with well-reasoned thought Yes, I believe her situation with Amina had opened doors for her doubting and thinking, but, I don' t think that was 100 % of her critical reasoning about the Bible. The manner in which her Mother presented it was a one-way street and not to be doubted or questioned. That was how it should be with no wiggle room, according to her Mother. As a result, that only brought to fruition Ijeoma's exceptional ability for reasoning and thinking a problem through the whole journey. I suspect that is why I loved the ending of this novel when her Mother and Ijeoma compromise and come to terms with their issues. We need more of that in today's society. Thanks to this author for the great message to her readers ! And, thanks, Laurie, for your observation and the opening for discussion.

Thanks Laurie for a great topic!

It's worth keeping in mind that while the present day bible can be interpreted in many different ways, what is actually in it was also very much open to interpretation and decided over a long period of time and, in large part by committee - for example, when Constantine called the First Council of Nicaea in the early 4th century.

Some say that this is a good thing as it allowed good people (aka men) to reflect on the teachings over centuries and then decide what should be in and what shouldn't. Others would say that, just like anything decided by committee (and a highly politicized one at that), many vested interests had an influence on what was in and what was out.

Up until the 4th, even into 5th century, even what are considered fundamentals of Christianity such as the divinity of Jesus were in debate, and indeed the specifics of the divine nature continued to be discussed and disagreed on (leading to endless schisms) for many centuries after.

Excellent points Rebecca and Davina. I agree with you both.

Yes, I agree with all of the above. The Bible, like many other things, can be interpreted many different ways by many different people. She was definitely trying to justify her actions.

I agree that the Bible can be interpreted in different ways, but wonder about it being used to justify one's actions. Then that means that all one's actions can be right, if carried to the nth degree.

The Bible is open to so much interpretation; just attend any small group bible study!