So when an issue like this springs up, how then do we deal with it? Is there space in the church or in believers to address this misinterpretation, and reteach/relearn it the way it was written? Not only for this specific verse, but plenty others as well. Perhaps the misinterpretation of a verse is not pivotal to our faith or salvation, but surely there's responsibility on our part to allow Scripture to say what it intended to say. And what happens if this misinterpretation occurs with verses that have grave impact on doctrines? Is there room for us to re-look and revise some of our practices that stem from the flawed understanding of scripture?

This reminds me of the book Erasing Hell by Francis Chan. I love the authenticity the Chan has with regards to handling Scripture - the parts we sometimes cringe at and wish God didn't include, and the way he communicates it so directly, without pretense.

What is really important? My prayer recently has been for God to show me who He is - who He really is and not what people or traditions tell me. I want to know Him and what His Word says purely as it is, without corruption (in the least negative sense of the word) of any sort.

Of course, if you want to get technical about it, that is not possible unless I learn Hebrew and Greek, start from scratch, and reinvent the wheel - which is silly really. It is also somewhat limiting God - surely He speaks through people, through history and traditions as well. What I really mean is: I don't want to be holding on to what I have been taught or to traditions too dogmatically, that when truth emerges, I'm too blind to see and accept it. I want to be open and honest enough to admit mistakes when present and change when needed.

After all, we are finite and limited beings, aren't we?