***I'm not trying to start any arguments. I just want to know if anyone has ever thought about this, or maybe even if someone can help me possibly come closer to a better understanding.***

---

It's not that I am having doubts, per se, but rather have over time pondered some thoughts and questions... But I think this will mostly be centered around one main, overarching topic.

How?

I just can't wrap my mind around how it is possible. The fact that there are so many variations and/or denominations of Christianity, in itself, goes to show that we [as humans] have obviously done what Peter says not to.

There are indeed some parts of the Bible where the meaning is clear enough such that most denominations understand it the same way... But it's obvious that there are also plenty of things that are not literal, are not simple, are not easily understandable... Which leads to arguments among Christians.

---

However let's finish that line:

By all means, I still am a Christian; still believe as much as I always did. But the way in which I believe is different from it used to be.

Anyway, I think that the passage above is just too unspecific. Because, for one to be provoked by the Holy Spirit to write in His Word is still one's writing. Hmm... I should explain more...

There is a vast difference between how the Holy Spirit resides within us, and possession... (obviously)...

The Bible tells us we have free will, yes? So, for one to have written Scripture via the Holy Spirit's initiative, it is (in my understanding) much more like the planting of the idea/concept itself within one's mind via the Holy Spirit, and then one's own conscious interpretation of that idea into words.

If that is the case, the idea was already interpreted from the moment it was originally transcribed.

Otherwise, if that isn't the case, then what Peter is suggesting is that the Holy Spirit possessed him [Peter], and the rest of the authors of the books of the Bible, such that the Holy Spirit [would] be the sole Author.

Now I know that isn't true!

So obviously, you can see why I'm having issues with the above line from Peter.

Does anyone have a way to help me understand that?

Thanks,

~ Miles