The Catechism of the Roman Catholic Church says the following in regards to the role of who interprets Scripture:
"The task of interpreting the Word of God authentically has been entrusted solely to the Magisterium of the Church, that is, to the Pope and to the bishops in communion with him." (CCC # 100)
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The reasoning comprising the above excerpt runs contrary to how Jesus Christ Himself addressed people and false teaching. He made individuals interpret Scripture for themselves and held them accountable when they applied them wrongly.
Jesus Christ expected an expert in the Law to properly interpret Scripture for himself (Luke 10:26). He asked His challenger, "What is written in the law?"
Jesus held the Pharisees accountable for their misinterpretation of the Scriptures in regards to working on the Sabbath (Matthew 12:3-5). He asked them, "Have you not read in the Law?"If Jesus Christ appointed a teaching Magisterium to preside over the church, then why did He never refer people to such an office to be taught biblical doctrine? He made people interpret Scripture for themselves rather than simply spoon-feeding them divine truth.
The Apostle Paul in Galatians 1:6-12 subjugated angels and apostles themselves to a standard of divine revelation as he said "even if we" in condemning false gospels. We clearly must resort to the use of our own reasoning faculties in order to test the message of minister.
Our Lord Jesus Christ defeated the devil by saying three times, "It is written" (Matthew 4:1-11). Why not emulate His perfect example in spiritual discernment? If a child like Timothy could understand Scripture (2 Timothy 3:15), then why cannot the same be true of us?
