Who is allowed to interpret religion?, (Maybe contraversial) Options

[Pensuke]

In an effort to prevent flaming, DO NOT READ OTHER PEOPLE'S REPLIES, especially if you are easily offended. Also, DO NOT RESPOND TO OTHER PEOPLE'S POST.

I'm doing an essay thing for my English class and I'm supposed to present outside research. My idea was to do an Internet poll on various forums to ask my question.

Now, I'm asking you all, do you think that the individual is allowed to interpret the morals and values and such of the religion they follow, or is only a certain authority allowed to interpret a given religion? Please answer and reply with your answer explaining why. This is a question about all religions and not necessarily Christianity, although I feel Christianity may play a large role in this question.

Remember this is not a debate. I am asking for your opinion. You may feel offended by other people's answer, but that's not your beliefs. I really don't want to see flaming.

Thank you very much!

[Mistrunner]

The individual. There should be no "higher authority" who holds sway over what people believe.

And this might belong in the Debate forum.. not sure.

[DanielleMaria05]

I think that the indivual interprets. I mean, everyone is equal, wheter you are the pope, or just a citizen (I'm cathloic). Even though my morals don't exactly follow a normal cathloic person, I feel that the pope is only human, and he can interpret the religion as well as another

[ahhishkaren]

The individual. No one but you has the right to tell you what and what not to believe in. You have your own morals and values. No one should tell you what you believe in is wrong or render your judgements/decisions. Parents do play a big part in it, but eventually, the individual will have to make that decision for themselves.

[*tweeak*]

if this is not a debate, why the hell is it in the debate forum?

moved to homework

[Pensuke]

I first put it in the Lounge because I knew it wasn't a debate and there's no polls there. But maybe someone moved to the Debate forum without notifying? I'm not sure.

[gelionie]

I think anyone can interpret religion, because its what YOU believe in.

[*mona lisa*]

individuals. religion is based on the faith and interpretation of the believer.

[speight89]

If you are part of a religion you come across things which you dont believe so you just ignore them

[smile4me]

Now, I'm asking you all, do you think that the individual is allowed to interpret the morals and values and such of the religion they follow, or is only a certain authority allowed to interpret a given religion?

interpret is used too loosely.

1. i'm taking "interpret" literally (one's understanding/definition of): if they don't interpret the morals/values, who are they going to get to interpret for them?

2. however, if we were to say that "interpret" means giving a person certain, clear, morals to follow, then i say its neither.
disregarding religious beliefs, history plays a large role in why religions are the way they are today. certain events, multiple people, etc, have made religions have certain values and morals. for example, women. correct me on this if im wrong, but females were not looked to as the dominant figure. in the holy bible, they place large emphasis on males.
now look at the world today. christians treat females and males equally.