No man ever believes that the Bible means what it says: He is always convinced that it says what he means

No man ever believes that the Bible means what it says: He is always convinced that it says what he means

George Bernard Shaw, a renowned playwright and critic, was known for his sharp wit and satirical commentary on society. One of his most famous quotes, "No man ever believes that the Bible means what it says: He is always convinced that it says what he means," reflects his skepticism towards the interpretation of religious texts.

Shaw's statement suggests that individuals often interpret religious texts, such as the Bible, through the lens of their own beliefs and biases. Instead of approaching these texts with an open mind and seeking to understand their true meaning, people tend to project their own preconceived notions onto the text. This can lead to a distorted interpretation of the message conveyed in the Bible.

Shaw's observation highlights the subjective nature of interpreting religious texts. Each individual brings their own background, experiences, and beliefs to the table when reading the Bible. As a result, the same passage can be interpreted in vastly different ways by different people. This can lead to disagreements and conflicts over the true meaning of the text.

Furthermore, Shaw's quote also speaks to the tendency of individuals to cherry-pick passages from the Bible that align with their own beliefs, while ignoring or dismissing those that challenge their worldview. This selective reading of the Bible can reinforce existing biases and prevent individuals from engaging with the text in a meaningful and transformative way.