Originally Posted by
Ickisrulz
I can see you're being flippant with this comment. So I guess you don't understand why someone might need to learn proper biblical interpretation. The most important reason is to understand how the original audience would have understood the text in question. In order to do this we must understand how they thought, what they were familiar with, what customs were in place, how they used language, what was going on in history during the text's creation (and before), how the text relates to other biblical writings, etc.
You can read the Bible continuously, but if you don't know the background information, much will remain beyond your grasp. This is not to suggest the Bible has any hidden meanings. It does not. It is just that the modern audience is far removed from the original audience and we need to adjust the way we approach it.
I know that there are many Christians who believe that the Holy Spirit will miracle biblical meaning into their brains. But this idea is foreign to the New Testament's teaching. Biblical understanding requires work. Not to mention that God gave teachers to the Church for a reason.
I don't push any particular denomination's doctrine (I myself graduated from Southwestern Assemblies of God University). I just suggest using a good text on biblical interpretation to develop a sound foundation (How to Read the Bible for all Its Worth is excellent for the casual reader). Then I suggest reading scholarly commentaries for in-depth study (the NICOT/NICNT series are very good). Good commentators will discuss all possible interpretations of passages when there are disagreements. No pastor or local Bible study will give you as much information as a scholarly commentary.