scripture is meaningless without interpretation

A fantastic theologian at my undergrad university makes the same point in his book,

Someone once asked me to have a discussion about 1 Corinthians 14 and charismatic gifts. I said, "Great. I'd love to."

So I started, "The way I interpret this passage..." and he cut me off and said, "I'm not interested in your interpretation. I'm only interested in what the Bible says."

I said, "Okay, my bad" and read the passage aloud.

Then I sat there, and he sat there, and I sat there, and he sat there.

And he said, "Well?"

I said, "Well, what?"

He said, "You just read the passage."

I said, "You weren't interested in my interpretation."

He said, "Okay what's your interpretation?" And on we went.

I completely agree. That's why I identify as a Progressive Christian. Because the word "Christian" means something different to everyone. I'm sure Islam is the same. Adding an adjective gives it a little more meaning.

It's also why I stopped wearing a cross, and started wearing a Franciscan pendant (I'm not Catholic). Because the symbol of the cross is likewise diluted to meaninglessness. People argue Jesus taught completely opposite things. There isn't nearly so much argument about the teachings of Francis of Assisi.