text: who is the authority on properly interpreting the bible? b/c i believe in jesus but i don't like christians/protestants/catholics or anyone else who thinks they actually have it all figured out.  taking suggestions or perspectives... you have good instincts.  at one time, only bishops were allowed to preach.  even priests were not allowed to interpret the bible.  i think there was a reason for this, but it escapes me at the moment.  truly, then, you needed to fervently pray for that person who did the interpreting.  this followed along the lines of the hebrew priesthood, where the scrolls were handled by the descendants of aaron, who had to be perfect in body and soul before he even touched the scrolls.  that's where the word "aryan" and "iran" come from.  perfection before god.  aaron, the priest chosen by god.  scary, isn't it?