The better theory explains more of the facts with
fewer assumptions.
The literal interpretation should be the first hypothesis.
Figures of speech have established meanings; meanings
are not invented to suit the interpreter.
God does not contradict himself. All
biblical statements can be harmonized without contradiction.
God is a just lawmaker; he doesn't repeal laws
without clearly saying so.
If a text has two interpretations, then the
interpretation that agrees with previous revelation is correct.
If a text has two translations, then the
interpretation that agrees with previous revelation is correct.
Scribes make mistakes or miscopy on purpose, but the
actual text is always preserved by other faithful scribes so that a simple
comparison and applications of these rules will reveal the truth.
The more ancient the MSS, the more likely to have
fewer mistakes.
Jewish Tradition, starting with the most ancient first, should be our
guide when a matter is still unresolved. Even if a tradition is not
current, the true tradition always seems to be preserved somewhere by the
Jews.
Oral Torah should not be used to subvert the written Torah.
Translations that add unsupported words to the text should not be trusted.
Translations that cannot be verified by checking in standard dictionaries,
grammars and lexicons should not be trusted.
All available evidence points to the conclusion that the Greek Texts are
just as reliable as the Hebrew Originals (currently lost) in the case of the
New Testament, and that the Greek texts are more reliable than some supposed
Hebrew Originals.
An odd word in the middle of a normal sentence points to a deeper level of
meaning in the text. (example: Jonah calls the belly of the whale
'sheol').
There are no contradictions; something cannot be true and at the same time
false.
The suggestion that the 'New Testament should interpret the old'
contradicts rule 6, 7. Torah came first and is the judge of the validity
of subsequent claims of revelation.
The Holy See's claim to a right to interpret the bible contrary to what it
says is an error exercised far more than the Rabbinic propensity to overrule
Torah by tradition.
The first level of interpretation is the Literal. Further levels
will agree with the first.
Kabbala, gematria, and bible numerics are all invalid methods of
interpretation.
The bible code is not an infallable source of truth, and is therefore
invalid for reliable conclusions.
