Thank you for the application question, “Why am I so repulsed by those preaching the Bible to me while I myself have enjoyed studying it for all my life?”
There may be a variety of reasons for the aversion of preachers of the Word. Here are the reasons for one’s consideration:
A. One may interpret that the preacher is “preaching” at the person. The preacher may be too convicting on the listener.
B. One may interpret that the preacher is self-enriching oneself as many tele-evangelists ask for funds. One becomes “turned off” by those preachers and generalizes that all ministers do the same.
C. One may interpret or believe that one has a better understanding of the Bible than the preachers. There is fault finding with the preacher. It’s listening to find out what is theological or biblical incorrect with his/her interpretation of the text.
D. One may enjoy personal Bible study to avoid interacting or fellowshipping with other Christians. One may use personal Bible study to avoid others becoming too close to oneself for the fear that if one discovers what one is like, they won’t like me! The pain of rejection is too much in one’s life.
E. One may enjoy personal Bible study for one doesn’t have to apply the lesson to one’s life. It’s fact based discovery without any necessity of life transformation in one’s life. Knowledge is a substitute of character transformation in attitude and actions.
The question that one might want to consider is this, “Is it really true that ALL preachers are repulsive to oneself?” Would Rev. Billy Graham, Chuck Swindoll, Philip Yancy, or any other preacher/minister of the Word be included in one’s group? If one finds that none of the preachers are acceptable, then the problem likely is a personal issue and not the speakers.
May I suggest a deeper inner search of one’s walk with the Lord and one’s personal transformation of attitude and actions. Am I really more like Jesus or am I more like a Pharisee? The answer to that question may lead one to a deeper self-reflection of one’s spiritual walk with the Lord.
SUMMARY: Do I just want Biblical facts or do I want spiritual transformation of attitude and action? The journey begins with Biblical facts and is displayed through one’s attitude and action. Knowledge buffs up but love builds up.
For more perspectives: